Irish honeymooner dies in Greek wildfires

An Irishman has died while on honeymoon after becoming caught up in wildfires that have swept across Greece.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jul 2018, 21:51 BST
Updated 25th Jul 2018, 21:54 BST
Brian OCallaghan-Westropp was a volunteer for charity Blood Bikes EastBrian OCallaghan-Westropp was a volunteer for charity Blood Bikes East
Brian OCallaghan-Westropp was a volunteer for charity Blood Bikes East

Newly married Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp became separated from his wife Zoe Holohan as they tried to escape the fires in the coastal town of Mati.

The pair got married at Clonabreany House, Kells in Co Meath last Thursday before flying out to Greece on Saturday.

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Ms Holohan, who works in advertising for the Sunday World, is in hospital after suffering burns to her head and hands.

Brian OCallaghan-Westropp and Zoe Holohan married last Thursday and flew to Greece for their honeymoon on SaturdayBrian OCallaghan-Westropp and Zoe Holohan married last Thursday and flew to Greece for their honeymoon on Saturday
Brian OCallaghan-Westropp and Zoe Holohan married last Thursday and flew to Greece for their honeymoon on Saturday

In a statement, the family of Ms Holohan and Mr O’Callaghan-Westropp said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of our family member, Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp.

“The families would respectfully appreciate privacy at this time as we grieve and as Zoe makes her recovery.

“Funeral arrangement will be announced at a later stage.”

Ireland’s Ambassador to Greece Orla O’Hanrahan confirmed Mr O’Callaghan-Westropp’s death.

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Zoe Holohan is in hospital after suffering burns to her head and handsZoe Holohan is in hospital after suffering burns to her head and hands
Zoe Holohan is in hospital after suffering burns to her head and hands

She said her sympathies and heart went out to his family at this time.

The couple, who lived in Dublin, were travelling in a vehicle when they were forced to flee.

Ms Holohan was able to escape to a nearby beach and was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night.

The Irish Embassy in Athens is providing consular assistance to Ms Holohan and her family.

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Mr O’Callaghan-Westropp worked in finance for a Dublin catering company and also volunteered for Blood Bikes East, which provides an emergency medical transport service around hospitals in Dublin.

Committee member Franco De Bonis said Mr O’Callaghan-Westropp started off as a volunteer rider a year ago and very quickly became further involved in the service and was its secretary.

“Brian is a very charitable man – he’s one of these people who you know when he’s in the room. He has a big voice and he’s the type who wants to get things done,” Mr De Bonis said.

“He’s a man of action and is very selfless. His heart is in the right place and will always want to help.

“Brian would never walk away from a situation knowing someone needed help,” he added.

Up to 80 people have died in the forest fires which have raged through Greek villages and holiday resorts.

Related topics:Greece