THE YOUNG Irish man who died in Pamplona, northern Spain before the start of the annual bull run yesterday was named as Aidan Holly (23), from Tarbert, Co Kerry. Mr Holly was a serving soldier in the Army and was on a week's holidays in Spain.
The authorities in Pamplona said his body was found at the bottom of the city's 37m (120ft) medieval wall on Sunday and it is believed he fell. Details were not clear, but locals believe he had climbed on to a high wall to take up an early position to get a good view of the annual San Fermin bull run, which began yesterday.
The Irish authorities were approached by Spanish officials following the discovery of a bank card issued by an Irish bank with Mr Holly's body.
Mr Holly joined the Defence Forces in July last year and was based at the Fourth Battalion in Collins Barracks, Cork.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieut Gen Dermot Earley extended their condolences to Mr Holly's family.
The young man had been very active in GAA and amateur sporting circles and spent six weeks cycling around Ireland for charity over a year ago. He was a keen foreign traveller, and army life suited him, locals said.
Parish priest Fr Francis Nolan said the family was informed at about 8am yesterday and he went immediately to the house.
The family had a strong faith and the community was rallying round, he added.