A man aged in his 40s has died after he got into difficulties while swimming in Co Clare on Tuesday evening.
Valentia Coastguard said a major land, sea and air rescue operation got under way after gardaí received a call that at least two people were seen in difficulty at Fanore Beach, Co Clare, at around 9.30pm.
Lifeboats from Valentia and the Aran Islands were called in, and assistance came from the Shannon coastguard helicopter and Doolin coastguard rescue boat.
It is understood a second swimmer, a woman, was able to make it back to shore. The man was located soon afterwards and taken by helicopter to Galway University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The man has been named locally as Patrick McCarthy, who it is believed lived near the beach in the Ballyvaughan area.
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Gardaí confirmed they received a call on late on Tuesday from a member of the public and alerted emergency services while also attending the scene.
Irish Water Safety has asked all those enjoying the fine weather at the seaside to take extra care and to be aware that the sea can still cause cold shock, particularly on a fine day when air temperatures are high.
