Tributes paid to Kilkenny 'gentleman' who drowned while visiting daughter in Australia

A Kilkenny man has died while visiting his daughter in Australia after getting into difficulty swimming on New Year's Day.

Ballyragget man John Holland died in a swimming tragedy on New Year's Day after travelling to Melbourne to spend Christmas and New Year with his daughter, the Irish Times has reported.

63-year-old John lost his wife Marie to illness in 2022.

The local businessman ran a grain business in Ballyragget and was a member of Deeside Wheelers cycling club.

The club expressed the shock and sadness of members, in a social media post.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Holland family in this tough time," the club said. 

Mr Holland was a talented hurler in his younger days, playing with the Kilkenny Under 21 team in the 1970s.

Mr Holland is survived by his heartbroken family, son John, daughters Emma and Kate, sister Mai, John's fiancée Deirdre Phelan and Kates fiancé Kevin Kelly, grandchildren Andy and Nell, mother-in-Law, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Further tributes have been paid to John in the last couple of days with locals shocked to hear of his tragic passing.

One said: "Deepest sympathy to John, Kate and Emma, the Holland and Holohan families and all who mourn for John, a gentleman. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad and lonely time. May his soul rest in peace."

A former classmate of John's at Gormanstown College wrote: "Sincere condolences to the Holland family on the passing of the gentleman, Johnny Holland. A wonderful classmate when we boarded together, a great sportsman when we played together, a funny guy when we lived life together, and always interested in others when we met later in life to reminisce together. One of life’s great guys who will be truly missed."

A third said: "Kate, I am sad to hear of your Dad's passing so soon after your Mam. Sympathy to John and Emma, your grandmother and all your extended families. May John rest in Peace."