A teenage boy drowned after a swimming accident in the River Shannon yesterday – as temperatures hit 26C.
Damola Adetosoye, 17, died at a Co Roscommon marina. Fianna Fail councillor Martin Mulleady said: “Summer is supposed to be a happy time and you never expect a tragedy like this to happen The whole local community is in shock.”
Mr Mulleady added that Damola, who was from Co Longford, was very involved in the local community.
He said: “He played football with the local club and was very popular. I’d like to pass on my sympathies to the family.”
There were up to 30 young people at the marina enjoying the warm weather when the tragedy happened.
Despite the brave efforts of his friends to bring him to safety, the teen drowned before he could be rescued from the water.
Locals last night told how the marina is a popular hangout for young people when the weather is good.
Camlin United Football Club where Damola formerly played also paid their respects to the young man.
Most Read
In a statement they said: "Our thoughts are with Damola and his family during this hard time. Very devastating to see one of our past players pass away in such a tragic accident today. Rest in Peace."
An alarm was raised shortly before 5pm when Damola got into difficulty while swimming at the marina at Harbour View. His body was recovered from the water a short time later.
A Garda spokesman said: “Gardai and emergency services along with members of local sub aqua units attended the scene.”