‘A terrible tragedy' – School leads tributes as teen (15) who died swimming in Co Meath named locally

Irish Independent

21-06-2025

The teen has been named locally as Kofi Owusu (15) from Blackrock, outside Dundalk in Co Louth.
The teenager tragically died after he got into difficulty swimming in the water under the footbridge in the River Nanny near Laytown beach.
It is understood that Kofi, who was with a group of friends at the time of the incident, was visiting Laytown on Friday for a day out at the beach.
His body was recovered from the water by the coastguard and his remains were taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan where a post mortem will take place.
He was a student of Coláiste Chú Chulainn and a talented soccer player, he played for Redeemer Celtic FC in Dundalk.
Gardaí say they are aware of videos of this incident that are currently in circulation and are requesting footage and imagery not to be shared.
In a tribute, the school said: 'This is a terrible tragedy for Kofi's family and friends, the Coláiste Chú Chulainn community and the local community of Dundalk and the surrounding areas, who are deeply saddened by this event.
'Kofi Owusu completed his Junior Certificate in Coláiste Chú Chulainn in June 2025.
'Kofi was a very caring young man with a wide circle of friends. He was a diligent student and a regular awardee for excellent attendance. Kofi was also an accomplished sportsman. He was a member of the school's under 15 soccer team and represented the school in the recent Leinster Shield final on the 19th May 2025.
"Kofi was also a member of the school's under 16 basketball team and represented the school in the All Ireland final on the 23rd January 2025.
"Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi's family and friends at this time.'
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of the Department of Education and Youth have been in contact with the school and will be supporting and advising staff iin their efforts to assist our students.
Redeemer Celtic shared a touching tribute to Kofi on social media, showing two of his number 6 jerseys laid down on a soccer pitch alongside a bouquet of flowers, with the caption: 'We are heartbroken. Closed until further notice.'
An outpouring of tributes from members of the Dundalk community was shared underneath the post.
As a mark of respect, local soccer club Laytown United FC announced it had postponed a planned end of season presentation day scheduled for Saturday.
'Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident,' the club said in a statement on Facebook. 'We appreciate your understanding. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.'
Meanwhile, this is the second teenager that has been confirmed dead in two separate swimming tragedies as temperatures remain high across the country.
Peter Byrne (17) tragically died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Barrow in Co Carlow on Tuesday.
Separately in Co Dublin, four teenagers were injured after getting into difficulty in the water in two separate incidents in Howth.
The Irish Coast Guard has issued an advisory reminding the public 'to take extra precautions in and around water' over the weekend.
Condolences have been offered to the family of Kofi Owusu for their 'devastating loss', local representatives said.
Minister of State and Meath East TD Thomas Byrne said it was 'devastating to hear of the tragic death of a teenage boy' in Laytown.
'My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving,' he said on X.
'A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.'
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Wayne Harding said: "A young boy has lost his life tragically off our coast this weekend. My thoughts are with his devastated family at this time.
"I want to thank all those who responded to the tragedy both in a professional and voluntary capacity. I ask that we be extremely vigilant to the dangers all our water courses pose during these good weather spells."
Local East Meath Cllr Carol Lennon said: "The loss of life in tragic circumstances is devastating and we, as a community want to offer our sincere condolences to the families of the boys involved in the tragedy that occurred in the River Nanny on Friday night.
'What started as a great summer's day ended with the loss of a young life, a teen, enjoying the first tasters of Summer of 2025.
"I would personally like to thank the emergency services who attended so fast and showed great compassion to the friends and families at the scene'.
Councillor Sharon Tolan said 'a dark cloud' was hanging over the community on Friday night.
'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic accident in Laytown,' she said on Facebook.
'Please think long and hard before posting any commentary on any social media pages.'
Irish Coast Guard has issued an advisory reminding the public 'to take extra precautions in and around water' over the weekend.
In a statement shared on social media, the Coast Guard urged the public to take precautions and said rip currents 'are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers".
Rips are described as strong currents 'that start near the shore and rush out seaward, quickly taking you out of your comfort zone, from the shallows to deeper water.'
If caught in a rip current, the advice from the Coast Guard is to remain calm and swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline.
According to the Coast Guard, rip currents 'typically form at low sports or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groynes, jetties and piers.'
Meanwhile, the funeral of teenager Peter Byrne (17) who died swimming in Milford, Co Carlow will take place on Monday.
Mr Byrne was swimming with two of his friends when he got into difficulty.
The young man's body was recovered at 11.30pm Tuesday night by divers from the Garda Water Unit within a 10 metre radius of where he was last seen.
"It is with a very heavy and broken heart that we share the devastating news of the passing of our much beloved youths player Peter Byrne who tragically passed away this week,' read a statement from New Oak F.C.
"Peter was a pocket rocket in the team over the last number of years. Small in stature but big in personality. He was a huge character with a touch of Roy Keane about him, not afraid of anything or anyone.
"Peter was the life and soul of the dressing room and training and will be sadly missed by his coaches Ernie, Danny and all his teammates who have not only lost a fellow player but a friend.
"On behalf of everyone at New Oak F.C we would like to offer our deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who loved him.
May Peter's gentle soul rest in peace.'
In Dublin, the Howth RNLI volunteer crew were involved in a multi-agency response to two cliff rescues off the coast of Howth, North Co Dublin, on Thursday afternoon.
They received reports of three children cut off by the tide near Lion's Head, which is a popular swimming spot on the south side of the Howth peninsula, close to the Bailey Lighthouse.
Shortly before 4.30pm, the inshore lifeboat was launched by the RNLI, with three crew on board, assisted by the Howth Coast Guard Unit and Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116, who quickly made their way to the scene amid moderate sea conditions.
Two teenagers, who were stranded on the cliff, were located by the Howth Coast Guard cliff team.
As the team tried to recover one of the injured teenagers, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin, which coordinated the rescue, asked the lifeboat crew to remain on standby.
While on scene, the lifeboat was diverted to a separate emergency nearby where a teenager had fallen from cliffs at White Water Brook, a remote beach below cliffs on the eastern side of the peninsula.
The lifeboat crew were directed by beachgoers to a teenager, who had fallen approximately six metres onto rocks at the water's edge, sustaining multiple lacerations and suspected fractures.
A second teenager had swum to assist him and was holding him steady on a rock when the lifeboat arrived at the scene.
The lifeboat crew made their way across rocks to assess the injured teen, assisted by the Howth Coast Guard and Howth All-Weather lifeboat.
However, due to the swiftly rising tide, the injured teen needed to be immediately evacuated by a helicopter.
The Rescue 116 deployed its winchman, who assessed the teen's injuries and secured him in a rescue harness, winching them both to safety.
The second teenager was showing the signs of hypothermia and was assisted across the rocks and brought aboard the inshore life
boat.
He was later transferred to the lifeboat and taken to Howth Lifeboat Station, where he was handed into the care of an ambulance crew and transported to the hospital.
Helm of the inshore lifeboat, Killian O'Reilly, said: 'This was a challenging afternoon with two serious incidents in quick succession, both in difficult, rocky locations.'
"On a sunny summer's day, it's easy to underestimate the risks around the coastline – but the sea and cliffs can be unforgiving.
"The teamwork shown between the RNLI, Coast Guard units, and Rescue 116 was exceptional and ensured the best possible outcome in tough circumstances,' he added.
He urged the public to be aware of the dangers and know what to do where they might find themselves in difficulty in the water, especially during this spell of hot weather.
'Air temperatures may feel warm, but water temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock. If you get into difficulty, remember float to live: tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally.
"Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety,' he added.
The members of the public are advised to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if they or someone else gets into difficulty near the coast.