Young Cork man passes away at French skiing resort

A young Cork man has died while holidaying at a ski resort in the French Alps.

Cian O’Brien, a native of Gleann na Rí, Tower, in the Blarney area, fell ill while on a skiing trip at the Alpe d’Huez resort, where he later died.

It is understood that he fell ill on Sunday night after spending the night with friends and went to bed, but his friends were unable to rouse him on Monday morning.

He had travelled over with friends as part of a large group with UCC Snowsports society. The society is not affiliated with UCC, but has a large number of student members. Cian was an apprentice electrician, and was not a member of UCC.

Cian was an active and “very popular” member of the local community and an avid footballer, and played for his local side Blarney United.

He is survived by his parents Paul and Sabrina, and his sister Lauren.It is understood that the Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family at this time.

Cllr Damien Boylan, a native of Blarney, said that the news has come as a “complete shock” both to his family and to the wider community.

“It’s dreadfully sad. A complete shock to the family first and foremost, and to all of us up here. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. It’s also a complete shock to the young people. My own daughter went to school with Cian. It’s so difficult at that age to comprehend the death of anyone so close to you,” he said.