Fitness challenge organised in memory of student who died after fall from accommodation

Olivia Kelleher

A fitness challenge is being organised in memory of student and “dedicated gym goer” Darragh McCarthy (21), who died in hospital last year after he fell from an upper storey of student accommodation in Cork city.

The Munster Technical University student, hurler, and keen swimmer was from Carrigagour in Midleton, Co Cork and died on March 11th, 2025.

He had been taken to Cork University Hospital six days earlier after he fell from the Eden Hall complex in Model Farm Road in the city.

His father Niall McCarthy said that their lives “changed forever” when they lost their beloved Darragh.

“Darragh lived life with energy, determination and heart. A passionate hurler and a dedicated gym-goer, he thrived on challenge. He pushed himself physically, embraced competition and inspired those around him with his drive and quiet strength. He was never one to step back from a test of endurance — in fact, he welcomed it.

This event (at the Marina Market, Cork city on May 16th)  is held in Darragh’s memory and in celebration of the qualities that defined him: resilience, courage, commitment, and competitive spirit.

The workout reflects him in every detail. There are 7 stations, each lasting 7 minutes, with two minutes transition time between each — the number 7 representing Darragh’s birthday, July 7th 2003.

The entire event last one hour and one minute, a time that carries special significance. It was in one hour and one minute that Darragh and his cousin Séan completed their first Hyrox together — a moment of pride, grit, and shared achievement that perfectly captured his love of challenge and camaraderie.”

Mr McCarthy says that the stag featured in their logo holds special meaning.

“It was to be Darragh’s next tattoo — a symbol of strength, power and determination. It now stands proudly as an emblem of his spirit, watching over this event and everyone who takes part. This is more than a fitness challenge. It is a tribute.

It is a celebration of Darragh’s life. It is a reminder to live fully, compete fiercely, and support one another.”

Further information on the not-for-profit event can be obtained here.

Meanwhile, a funeral mass for Darragh took place at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Midleton in March of last year. Mr McCarthy told mourners at the mass that his eldest son had suffered “catastrophic injuries” from which there was “no hope” of recovery.

He described him as “easy going, placid, good-natured and kind.”

“We didn’t have too many tantrums or teenage dramas as he had a steady and relaxed calm way about him. He never gave us reason to worry. His signature shoulder squeezes were just what everyone needed after a stressful day.

"The eldest of our three children, Darragh, was a typical big brother. Loving without demonstrating it in the obvious ways, he showed his love by wanting the best (for his siblings), Aisling and Niall Og.

"He was protective and caring but he was a tough coach and had high standards with Aisling - endless training sessions out in the garden. You dare not let him down on the field! He had the ability to light up a room with his big personality.”

Burial took place in the cemetery adjoining the church.