Cork teacher dies in Alpine hiking incident

Eoin Deasy (25) had moved to Switzerland to be with his girlfriend

Eoin Deasy (25), a secondary school teacher from Cork, died when he fell while hiking along the Fürstensteig route in the Alpine Rätikon mountain range last Thursday. Photograph: RIP.ie
Eoin Deasy (25), a secondary school teacher from Cork, died when he fell while hiking along the Fürstensteig route in the Alpine Rätikon mountain range last Thursday. Photograph: RIP.ie

Funeral arrangements are being put in place for a young Irishman who died in an Alpine climbing incident in Liechtenstein last week.

Eoin Deasy (25), a secondary school teacher who was from Ballinlough in Cork city, died after he fell while hiking along the Fürstensteig route in the Alpine Rätikon mountain range last Thursday.

The Swiss Air-Rescue and helicopter Rega team recovered his body on Friday afternoon.

Deasy, a graduate of UCC, had moved to Switzerland last summer to join his girlfriend Maria who was already teaching abroad.

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Podge Haughney, UCC Student Union president, sent his condolences to Eoin’s family, friends and girlfriend.

“It’s a very sad time for them,” said Mr Haughney. “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare when their child is abroad.”

Before leaving Ireland, Deasy taught French at Coláiste Chríost Rí at Turner’s Cross in Cork City. He also attended the school as a student for six years.

Principal of Coláiste Chríost Rí Sean Culhane described the shock felt by students and staff on hearing that their colleague and mentor had died.

“He was extremely popular amongst both staff and students,” said Mr Culhane.

“He was a good athlete, a good musician, and always very focused on excellence.” He said the young teacher also trained young students in athletics.

Deasy is survived by his parents Michael and Patsy, siblings Cormac and Aisling, and girlfriend Maria.

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is providing consular assistance to his family.

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak is an Irish Times reporter specialising in immigration issues and cohost of the In the News podcast