Tributes flow as Paul Doran dies saving 11yo daughter at Lennox Head beach
A father who rushed into the water to save his 11-year-old daughter had just moved his Irish family to NSW to begin a new chapter when tragedy struck. Read the tributes.
Byron Shire
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A “devoted” father who drowned saving his 11-year-old daughter from a popular northern NSW beach had not long begun “an exciting new chapter” with his family when tragedy struck.
Paul Doran, 45, emigrated to Australia from Ireland in July last year with his wife Simonne, and three children Vann, Lyra and Shay.
Brother-in-law Brendan McDonnell has labelled Paul “an absolute legend” as he described how the family’s lives changed forever on January 18 at Lennox Head beach.
“The family were enjoying an evening in the sea in shallow waters when conditions quickly changed and they got into difficulty,” he said.
“Paul and Simonne quickly swung into action, getting their two boys Vann and Shay to shore, followed by their daughter Lyra.
“Paul was 100 per cent passionate about everything in his life particularly his family and was devoted to his children, like any parent he wanted the best for their futures.
“In this regard, the family moved to Australia only last July to commence an exciting new chapter in their lives and were thoroughly enjoying their new lives when the tragedy occurred.”
Mr Doran’s brother-in-law said the new lives they sought were “just beginning to take shape”.
“Paul Doran, drowned in Australia last week while heroically attempting to save his daughter’s life,” he said in a post on The Johnstown Inn Facebook page.
“Paul was my brother-in-law. He was a devoted father, a beloved husband, and a great friend.
“They had just moved to an idyllic beach town, secured great new jobs and the kids absolutely loved the new way of life.
“Paul and Simonne walked with the kids down to their local beach for a quick swim before dinner.
“A sudden change in the water conditions resulted in a family tragedy that we are now desperately trying to deal with.”
The extended families are ‘wholly and utterly broken by this sad event’.
Mr McDonnell said Mr Doran left behind his wife Simonne and adored children Vann, Lyra and Shay, parents Pat and Helen Doran, siblings Aoife, Emma, Gavin and Sarah “as well as heartbroken extended families and friends all over the world”.
He started a GoFundMe page to help his family deal with the expenses following the loss, with the community already raising €33,065 of a €35,000 goal (about A$54,000).
“We are blown away by the outpouring of support that has been shown to Paul’s family from the local and wider communities in Ireland and Australia,” he said.
“It means so much to Simonne and the kids to know how loved and cared for that Paul was. And how he has touched the wider community with his bravery.
“Paul and Simonne and the kids were on a big adventure in Australia and enjoying every moment of it as a family.
“Paul was so happy and looking forward to the future.”
Lifeguard co-ordinator Scott McCartney said Paul Doran’s daughter was swept out in the surf amid a “perfect storm” of “unforgiving” conditions at Lennox Head on last Wednesday.
Lifesavers and lifeguards were alerted to “a man in distress” on Seven Mile Beach near Lennox Hotel about 6.30pm.
Mr Doran was retrieved from the surf in an unresponsive state about 7pm and could not be revived, despite NSW Ambulance paramedics attempting CPR.
It comes after Colombian man Sebas Sánchez Leon, 27, drowned at New Brighton Beach in Byron Shire on January 2.
His mate Daniel Vivas, 28, tried to save him but ended up in hospital himself.
The latest drowning at Lennox also follows the drowning of Alane Etoundi, 19, in December 2021.
Tributes are flowing for the “tragic death” of the well-known Irishman
Industry colleague Jeff Colley described Mr Doran as “one of the best and most forward-thinking builders I’ve ever encountered”.
“I was shocked and saddened to learn today of the tragic death of Paul Doran ... a modest man who had a big impact,” he said in a Facebook post.
“He had recently moved to Australia, and was caught in a riptide trying to save his daughter, who mercifully survived.
“My heart breaks for his wife Simonne, who I had the pleasure of meeting with Paul at the Green Awards a few years ago, and Paul’s family, including his father Pat.
“The Dorans always struck me as a lovely family, and Pat Doran Construction was a wonderful family business, with a father who was the best type of old school builder, and a son bringing a new energy, and pushing his father to innovate.
“There was a great balance in this, with a seasoned pragmatism ensuring that any innovations which they took up had been thoroughly considered.
“Paul, Pat and Simonne worked together to deliver some extraordinary buildings, including passive house and Enerphit projects, using a variety of approaches.
“Paul’s care, commitment, and genuine desire to deliver quality, low energy, green buildings was an example for the whole industry.”
Mr Colley said the buildings Mr Doran build were “an enduring testament to him” but his legacy went beyond bricks and mortar.
“Without him, the likes of the 600-unit Shanganagh project - which will be Ireland’s largest passive house project - wouldn’t be happening,” he said.
“We plan to write about Paul in the magazine (Passive House Plus), but some of the articles we’ve published by him or about his work are worth sharing, as early, inspirational examples showing that traditional Irish builders can do extraordinary things.
“People like Paul have shown the way - it’s up to the whole industry now to follow suit.”
Tributes
Ciara OReilly: RIP Paul, so shocked and saddened by this tragic, tragic accident…Sincere sympathy to our neighbours, the Doran family, Paul’s wife & young family, so far away right now, for your unfathomable loss. You are in our thoughts xx Ciara O’Reilly, Slieveroe.
Naas Rugby (Naas RFC): A note to advise on the death of Paul Doran (RIP) in Australia last week. Paul and his family moved to Australia in 2022. Paul is a former Youth Player with the Club and two of his children played up to the end of the 2022 season - Vann and Lyra.
Paul Stapleton, President Naas RFC, the Members and Executive members extend their sympathies to his wife Simonne and adored children Vann, Lyra & Shay, parents Pat & Helen, siblings Aoife, Emma, Gavin & Sarah as well as Simonnes family the Sheridans and the heartbroken extended families and friends all over the world. May he rest in peace.
Carroll O’Keeffe and Co: Our deepest condolences to Simonne, Vann, Lyra, Shay and all of Paul’s family on your tragic loss. Paul is fondly remembered by all at Carroll O’Keeffe & Co. Ltd.
Danny and Joan Boland: Our prayers are with all the Doran family at this very difficult time Tom Brady Brefni: Our thoughts and prayers from Sydney and Portarlington are with Simonne, Vann, Lyra & Shay
Orla Gilheany: Dear Aoife and Brendan, my deepest condolences to you both on the tragic loss of your beloved Paul. Sending lots of love to Simone and his children, and to all the Doran family and friends at this time
N & PG Skelly: Sincere sympathy to Simonne, Vann, Lyra & Shay, Pat & Helen, and to Aoife, Emma, Gavin & Sarah and your families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you live through this nightmare.
Emma Joyce: Absolutely heartbroken for Simonne & the children
Cormac & Aisling McEvoy: Deepest condolences to Simonne and all of Paul’s family. Our Thoughts are with you all at this tragic and difficult time.
Margaret O’Reilly: We wish to send our deepest sympathy to the Doran family and Paul’s wife and family on Paull’s tragic passing, Ramon and Margaret O’Reilly, Slieveroe.
Daniel Breslin: This is my cousin Simone and her family. Simone’s husband Paul lost his life saving his daughter in Australia last week. They had only recently emigrated and this is an immensely testing time for the family emotionally and financially given their distance from home.
Eileen O Neill: Thiking of Paul, his family and friends at this time. May he rest in peace.
Stacey Guing: Omg, im shocked and saddened to hear this news, I went to school with Paul and i remember too well the tragic death of Alan. May god have mercy on his soul, condolences to his parents, siblings, wife and family.
Maire-Therese Dunne: Deepest condolances to Paul and all the Doran family. Rembering the best of times shared in primary school in Ballymmore. Ken Coonan, Briancan.
Barry Boland: My deepest condolences to Paul and his family. I can’t believe life took such a cruel turn and took you in your prime. You died heroically, and I will hold onto the memories of good times we shared in primary and secondary school.
Noeleen Skelly: RIP Paul Doran. My sincere condolences to his sister, Aoife McDonnell and her family on the tragic loss of her brother Paul in this heart-breaking tragedy, and also to Paul’s wife Simonne and their children, and to his heartbroken parents and siblings. Aoife is married to my nephew Brendan McDonnell.
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