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Irish Independent
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Tributes paid to 'caring' Dundalk student who died in Laytown drowning tragedy
The boy had been with a number of friends when he got into difficulty while swimming in the River Nanny near the popular beach at Laytown. The alarm was raised by a member of the public shortly before 6.15pm and his was recovered from water by the coastguard around 9.30pm and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His remains were taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan where a post-mortem will be carried out. Kofi lived with is mother Maria at Rockfield Court, Dundalk and his younger sister. He has an older sister who is studying in Galway. The 15-year-old had just completed his Junior Certificate in Coláiste Chú Chulainn. School principal Thomas Sharkey said it was 'with deep sadness' that Coláiste Chú Chulainn and Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) had learned of Kofi's death. "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. He described Kofi as '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, and was a member of the school's under 15 soccer team and represented the school in the recent Leinster Shield final last month He was also a member of the school's under 16 basketball team and represented the school in the All Ireland final in January. 'Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi's family and friends at this time,' said Mr Sharkey. The news of the popular student's death came as a terrible shock to his friends, and he said that Guidance Counsellors and staff at the school will be helping students to deal with this tragic event. 'The school will be open to students and parents to support them and to offer them advice and guidance,' he said. '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 in their efforts to assist our students.' Kofi also played soccer with Redeemer Celtic Football Club, who posted a picture of two jerseys online in memory of the young player. The jerseys, featuring the number six, were placed on a pitch alongside flowers. Management at the club said they were 'heartbroken' and that the facility is closed until further notice.
Irish Independent
05-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth college, DIFE, provides life skills for graduates
Graduates were awarded qualifications across a wide range of disciplines, receiving QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Awards, as well as certificates and diplomas from other awarding bodies including NECF, City & Guilds of London, CIBTAC, ITEC, IAOT, and the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses. The ceremony was generously sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union, continuing its long-standing partnership with DIFE in supporting student achievement and community education. Graduates were recognised across diverse fields such as Culinary Arts, Art & Design, Business, Pre-University Courses (including Arts, Law, and Science), Construction Studies, Beauty Therapy, Multimedia, Photography, Sport & Leisure, Nursing, Childcare and Applied Social Studies, Travel & Tourism, Healthcare Support, Dental Nursing, and Pharmacy Technician studies. The graduation was presided over by DIFE Principal Mr. Davy McDonnell, along with Deputy Principals Orla Morrissey, Shane Williams, and Mark O'Sullivan. The event was organised by Pauline Sheeran and her graduation committee, whose efforts were acknowledged and appreciated by all in attendance. Distinguished guests included Martin O'Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB, Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training for LMETB, Sharon Tolan of the DIFE Board of Management, Sheena Kierans and Finbarr Murphy representing Drogheda Credit Union, Hubert Murphy CE Drogheda Chamber, Colin Cooney Programme Director DKIT, and Mick Toner, who attended to congratulate this year's graduates. Special guest at the ceremony, Mayor of Drogheda Paddy McQuillan, who himself is a past student of DIFE, also addressed the graduates. In presenting the awards, he congratulated the students on their achievements, stating: 'At DIFE, you gain life skills that stay with you for your whole life. DIFE provides opportunities for all who walk through its doors.' In his address, LMETB Chief Executive Martin O'Brien congratulated all graduates and commended the institute's role in providing high-quality education and training. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of DIFE, he spoke about lifelong learning, which takes each graduate to the next level — and in turn, lifts Drogheda to the next level. DIFE offers a wide variety of courses with clear progression routes to Higher Education in Ireland, the UK, and Europe, as well as employment-focused qualifications across sectors such as childcare, healthcare, beauty therapy, pharmacy, animal care, dental nursing, health and fitness, and more. Applications for upcoming courses are now open. For more information, visit:
