Darragh McCarthy was a talented hurler and passionate fitness enthusiast who died last year
17:52, 02 Apr 2026Updated 17:56, 02 Apr 2026
Darragh McCarthy
The family and friends of Midleton man Darragh McCarthy have organised a unique fitness challenge in his honour.
McCarthy was a talented hurler and passionate fitness enthusiast who tragically passed away in March 2025 at the age of 21. The second-year Munster Technological University student died in hospital a few days after he fell from an upper storey of student accommodation in Cork.
‘DMax 7.7’ has been created in his memory, named after his birthday on July 7th, and his family and friends say it celebrates the qualities that defined him – resilience, courage, commitment, and competitive spirit. The event will take place at The Marina Market in Cork on Saturday May 16th, and organisers say is brings ‘a new unique and meaningful challenge to fitness enthusiasts’.
DMax 7.7 features seven stations, each lasting seven minutes, with a two-minute transition between stations. Competitors, entering in doubles teams, will test their strength, endurance, and mental resilience across a series of challenges including skipping, ski-erg, med ball, assault bike, rowing, burpee box jumps, and wall balls.
The total event time of one hour and one minute holds special significance as it marks the time in which Darragh and his cousin Séan completed their first Hyrox event together.
Darragh McCarthy
During the all-day event, doubles teams will compete on a points-based system, earning one point per repetition, skip, or movement, with the goal of achieving the highest score within the time limit.
“Darragh lived life with energy, determination, and heart. He was a passionate hurler who loved the gym and thrived on a challenge. He pushed himself physically, embraced competition, and inspired those around him with his quiet strength,” said Niall McCarthy, Darragh’s father, who is part of the organising committee, the Irish Mirror reports.
“DMax 7.7 is about more than fitness. It’s a celebration of Darragh’s life and a reminder to live fully, support one another, and embrace every challenge. DMax 7.7 gives people the opportunity to test their strength, endurance, and mental resilience in a way that truly reflects who Darragh was.
“We encourage people to sign up, push themselves, and honour Darragh in the way he would have loved most-through strength, heart, and community.”
DMax 7.7 is a non-profit event, with all ticket sales covering event costs. Tickets costing €54.60 are available now via www.dmax77.com and Eventbrite.