Tributes have been paid to a 63-year-old Kilkenny man “widely known in the GAA scene” who died while swimming in Australia. 

John Holland from Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny, had been visiting his daughter with a friend in Melbourne and got into difficulty while swimming. 

A large wave swept him out to sea on New Year’s Day. 

Local councillor Michael McCarthy said attempts by Mr Holland’s daughter and paramedics to resuscitate Mr Holland unfortunately failed. 

“What was supposed to be a dream holiday turned into a nightmare,” he said. 

Cllr McCarthy said Mr Holland was well known in Kilkenny and around Ireland because of his commitment to sport. 

“He was big into his GAA, rugby and he loved his swimming,” he said. 

“He would have played minor hurling for Kilkenny in 1978 and would have been widely known in the GAA scene in Kilkenny and beyond.” 

Mr Holland is survived by his “deeply heartbroken” children John, Emma and Kate, sister Mai, grandchildren Andy and Nell along with other extended family members and friends. 

His wife Marie died in 2022.