BARRY DAVIS RYAN was hailed a hero as he was laid to rest in west Cork today.

The 20-year-old drowned in Baltimore while out fishing with his father Barry Ryan, girlfriend Niamh O’Connor, and his younger sister.

It is believed a freak wave led to the death of the trio. Barry Davis Ryan’s body was not recovered until Friday. Hundreds of divers had spent hours combing the area where he was last seen.

At his funeral today, he was hailed a hero by Fr Michael Kelleher for attempting to save his girlfriend Niamh.

Barry Davis Ryan has been hailed a hero who risked his life to save his girlfriend at his funeral mass in #Baltimore @Corks96FM @C103Cork
— Fiona Corcoran (@fi0na_c0rc0ran) July 13, 2015

Fiona Donnelly / Twitter

It is believed hundreds turned out for the funeral in Rath, including a number of Penney’s staff in their work uniforms.

A book of condolence was opened today at UCC to remember the three victims of the tragedy.

A counselling service has also been opened for students.

A book of condolence has been opened in the Honan as we remember Niamh O’Connor, Barry Ryan and Barry Davis Ryan #UCC pic.twitter.com/muWLZ7hXZH
— UCC Ireland (@UCC) July 13, 2015

UCC Ireland / Twitter

Read: Body found in search for missing Barry Davis Ryan>

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