‘Inspirational’ swimmer in Cushendall tragedy named locally

It is understood the alarm was raised after a swimmer – named locally as Hugh Barry – got into difficulties while on beach at Cushendall.

The first emergency services are understood to have arrived at the Shore Road scene shortly after 6.15pm.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue, the RNLI lifeboat from Red Bay, NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) crews, HM Coastguard rescue helicopter from Prestwick and Coastguards also attended the incident,

Mr Barry was transferred from the scene to hospital by the ambulance service but did not survive.

In a Facebook post yesterday, the Glens Cycling Club described his “infectious and inspirational” love of cycling, and said club members had been “absolutely devastated” at the news.

The message said: “This is one of the most difficult posts I’ve had to write. Yesterday we lost a valued club member, Gentleman, legend and friend.

“Hugh Barry loved Glens CC and his love of cycling was infectious and inspirational to all that knew him.”

Police have said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman said: “On Saturday, July 4, police received a report of a man who had taken unwell at a beach in Cushendall. He was taken to hospital by NIAS where he was pronounced dead.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Glens councillor Margaret Anne McKillop has said that people have been left shocked and deeply saddened at the news.

The SDLP representative also paid tribute to the emergency services who tried to save Mr Barry.

“People in Cushendall are shocked and deeply saddened after a man tragically lost his life after getting into difficulty while swimming [on Saturday] evening,” Cllr McKillop said.

“I want to pay tribute to the Fire and Rescue Service, the Coastguard and the Ambulance Service who all worked quickly to try to save the man’s life. This is terrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

On its Facebook page, the RNLI Redbay lifeboat station said: “RNLI Redbay was tasked to Cushendall beach yesterday evening Saturday, July 4 shortly after 6pm to an incident involving a swimmer.

“Our volunteer crew administered casualty care before the man was transferred to hospital by the ambulance service.

“Sadly we have learned the man has passed away.”