Tributes paid to 'very special' Irish woman who died in rock-climbing accident
The 21-year-old Dublin student and a friend were hiking in a popular rock climbing area near Malaga when they lost their balance and went over the side of a ravine
Tributes have been paid to a young Irish student who died after she fell while mountain climbing in southern Spain.
Eve McCarthy, 21, from Shankhill in Co Dublin, tragically lost her life after falling around 500 feet on the El Chorro mountain range, near Malaga on the Costa Del Sol on Friday evening. Her body was rescued by emergency services after the alarm was raised just after 7pm.
A male friend she was with survived by grabbing a rock as he fell alongside her. He was said to have been in a state of shock when he was rescued alive.
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Ms McCarthy was a final-year student of physiology at University College Dublin and she worked in The Kingâs Inn bar in Dalkey.
The bar closed for three days over the weekend as a mark of respect and the pub's owners have now paid a heartbreaking tribute to Ms McCarthy.
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the sad death of our colleague & friend Eve McCarthy," they wrote in a post shared on Facebook.
"Eve was a big part of The King's Inn family bringing so much joy and laughter with her fun loving way of life.
"Eve had great wit and was always so bubbly with a beautiful smile. We will miss Eve more than words can express."
Many of the bar's customers shared their own tributes to Ms McCarthy, who was remembered as 'a sweet girl' who was 'always walking around with a smile'.
Ms McCarthy and her friend are understood to have suffered their accident as they made their descent after taking the wrong route by mistake (Image: Facebook)
"Eve was such a free spirit, always smiling. Was a pleasure to know her, RIP Eve," said one mourner, whole another added: "Beautiful young lady. There was something very special in her witty peaceful nature. RIP."
A third person said: "Such a sweet girl. She looked after our Wednesday session so well and was lovely to chat with. Great smile. Really saddened by her passing. Godspeed Eve, you left us too soon. Deepest condolences to her family and friends and her Kings Inn family, hugs to you all."
Eve's co-worker said: "I will never forget her contagious smile and witty observations, it was an absolute pleasure to work with her. RIP Eve."
Another customer wrote: "As a regular occupier of a high stool, you get snippets of the banter behind the bar and Eve was always in the thick of it. Such a lovely young person, with a wonderful curiosity for life and a willing smile for every customer. So so sad. Sincere condolences to her family, friends and the Kings in family."
While another added: "Itâs hard to believe. Eve had best manner always walking around with a smile. Was such a nice girl and so friendly. Taken too soon. RIP Eve."
Ms McCarthy and her mountaineer colleague are thought to have suffered their accident as they made their descent near the village of El Chorro close to the famous Caminito del Rey pathway. The spot they were in is called the Swiss Sector, next to a hiking area called the Arabic Staircase.
The colleague told police they both lost their balance and went over the side of a ravine.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the womanâs death and is providing consular assistance.
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