Irish man died while trying to rescue son in Australia

An Irish man drowned last week while rescuing his son after he slipped into water rapids in Queensland.

Father of three Cassan Cowman (49) died at around 2pm local time last Sunday when the family were enjoying a day out at Wappa Falls in Australia.

Mr Cowman managed to push his son out of the water but did not get out himself. The body of the Cork man was discovered later that evening.

His wife Trish paid tribute to her husband, whom she described as a “fabulous father” and “passionate about politics and social justice”.

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“Our Irish and Australian families and friends are mourning the loss of Cassan, our father, husband, brother, friend,” she said in a statement.

“Last Sunday at Wappa Falls, Cassan jumped into the falls to rescue his sons; he pushed them out of the water, but was unable to save himself.

“Cassan moved from his beloved Co Cork with his family to Australia 15 months ago, and was in love with our beaches, blue skies and bushland, and went exploring with his family at every opportunity.

"Cassan was a fabulous father to his three children, dryly funny and very passionate about ethics, politics, social justice, and of course Ireland beating the All Blacks in Dublin."

Originally from Donoughmore in Cork, Mr Cowman is survived by his wife and their children Ormond (11), Ella (9), and Torin (7).

Friends of Mr Cowman have set upa Gofundme page to assist his family and raise funds for his children's education. More than 25,000 Australian dollars (€15,800) has been raised so far.