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The Irish Sun
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Heartbroken' family of teenager killed in Meath swim tragedy confirm funeral details for boy taken ‘far too early'
THE funeral details of a teenage boy who drowned while swimming in Meath have been confirmed. Talented footballer 2 Kofi Owusu tragically drowned while swimming in Co Meath 2 Kofi had been living in the Blackrock area of Dundalk in Co Louth Credit: Coláiste Chú Chulainn His body was Kofi, who also went by the surname of Jackson, became the second teenager to lose his life in the water this week. He was from the Blackrock area of And now, the heartbroken family have confirmed his funeral details. Read more in News In a listing on the teen's family confirmed that his funeral will take place on Friday at 1pm. His death notice reads: "Kofi will be so missed by his heartbroken parents Tony and Maria, sisters Faith and Esther, the extended family, his friends including the students of Coláiste Chú Chulainn and his teammates in Redeemer Celtic, and the congregation at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Miracle Land, Castletown Road, Dundalk." Kofi will repose in the Eternity Room of Quinn's Funeral Homes, Dundalk from 3pm-7pm on Thursday, June 26. Requiem mass will take place on Friday, June 27 at 1pm at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Miracle Land, Castletown Road, Dundalk. Most read in Irish News This will be followed by burial at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Kofi's requiem mass can be viewed live on RCCG Miracleland Dundalk Youtube page and funerals live link Urgent warning for Irish parents as RNLI issues major water safety advice ahead of school holidays Kofi's terrible passing prompted a deluge of tributes to his memory. Kofi's The club launched a Paying tribute to their player, Redeemer Celtic said: "A child of fantastic talent. Hugely popular with a wide circle of friends. "A child whose characteristics show he was raised as a highly respectful youngster. He was a credit to his loving family. 'HORRENDOUS TIME' "A family that have been devastated by a tragedy, and sadly we have no words to ease their suffering at this horrendous time. "This [appeal] can only help with support of the financial burden that also comes sadly at a heartbreaking times to so many. "May God Rest your gentle soul Kofi, and gift strength to your family & loved ones at this time. Rest in peace Kofi." Kofi Owusu had just finished completing his Junior Certificate in Colaiste Chu Chulainn earlier this month. 'VERY CARING YOUNG MAN' In a statement, the school described his loss as a "terrible tragedy" for his family, friends, the school community and the local and surrounding areas. A spokesperson said: "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 19 of 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 23 of January 2025. "Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi's family and friends at this time." 'A CREDIT TO YOU' Tributes have poured in from across the country for the young teenager. One person said: "We were neighbours in Limerick and remember fondly the children playing with their pals and the sheer youthful joy they brought. "Kofi was a credit to you. May your many memories be a blessing." Another said: "Kofi was a beautiful young soul taken far too early. "He had manners of a saint and a smile that would brighten any room. May his love get you through this unimaginable pain."
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Football club in emotional plea for ‘hugely popular' boy, 15, who died while swimming as family ‘devastated by tragedy'
AN emotional plea has been issued by the football club of a "hugely popular" teenage boy who drowned while swimming on one of Ireland's hottest days of the year. Talented footballer Co Advertisement 4 Kofi Owusu tragically drowned while swimming in Co Meath 4 Redeemer Celtic said the club is 'heartbroken' by the tragedy His body was in Laytown on Friday night — three hours after the alarm was raised. Kofi, who also went by the surname of Jackson, became the second teenager to lose his life in the water this week. He was from the Blackrock area of Kofi's club Redeemer Celtic yesterday told how the untimely passing of their talented player has "left so many heartbroken" and "shook a community, town and further to its core". Advertisement READ MORE IRISH NEWS The club launched a Paying tribute to their player, Redeemer Celtic said: "A child of fantastic talent. Hugely popular with a wide circle of friends. "A child whose characteristics show he was raised as a highly respectful youngster. He was a credit to his loving family. "A family that have been devastated by a tragedy, and sadly we have no words to ease their suffering at this horrendous time. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "This [appeal] can only help with support of the financial burden that also comes sadly at a heartbreaking times to so many. Urgent warning for Irish parents as RNLI issues major water safety advice ahead of school holidays "May God Rest your gentle soul Kofi, and gift strength to your family & loved ones at this time. Rest in peace Kofi." The In an emotional post by the club last week, they lay two No 6 jerseys and flowers on their pitch in Kofi's memory. Advertisement The club said: "We are Heartbroken. Closed until further notice.' 'DILLIGENT STUDENT' Kofi Owusu had just finished completing his Junior Certificate in Colaiste Chu Chulainn earlier this month. In a statement, the school described his loss as a "terrible tragedy" for his family, friends, the school community and the local and surrounding areas. A spokesperson said: "Kofi was a very caring young man with a wide circle of friends. Advertisement "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 19 of 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 23 of January 2025. "Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi's family and friends at this time." Advertisement SECOND TRAGEDY The school confirmed that Guidance Counsellors and staff at the school will be helping students to deal with this tragic event. The spokesperson added: "The school will be open to students and parents to support them and to offer them advice and guidance. "The National Educational Psychological Service 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's funeral details are expected to be confirmed at a later time. Advertisement said they were aware of videos of this incident in circulation but urged people not to share them. It marked the second such tragedy in a week after died in the River Burrow on Tuesday. Heartbroken pals of the teenage boy told he 17-year-old "would always stay smiling" in a poignant 4 Kofi had been living in the Blackrock area of Dundalk in Co Louth Credit: Coláiste Chú Chulainn Advertisement 4 The tragic incident occurred at Laytown Beach Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
Dublin Live
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Dublin Live
'Heartbroken' school pays tribute to 'diligent student' who died in swimming tragedy
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a teenage lad who tragically passed away after encountering trouble while having a swim at a well-known beach in Co Meath on Friday. A major search effort was mounted by Gardaí and emergency squads, including the Irish Coast Guard's Rescue 116 chopper and Drogheda Coast Guard, following reports of a youth struggling in the waters off Laytown at about 6.15pm last night. Devastatingly, the young man's body was retrieved from the sea by the coastguard just past 9.15pm. The teen was declared dead at the scene, with his body being taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan for a post-mortem examination. The boy has been named locally as 15-year-old Kofi Owusu, a secondary school student hailing from the Blackrock area of Dundalk in Co Louth, reports the Irish Mirror. Kofi was a pupil at Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk and had just completed his Junior Cert exams. The school paid its respects to the boy via a heartfelt social media post on Saturday night. A school spokesperson said: "It is with deep sadness that Coláiste Chú Chulainn and Louth and Meath Education Training Board have learned of the death of Kofi Owusu. This is a terrible tragedy for Kofi's family and friends, the Coláiste Chú Chulainn community and the local community of Dundalk who are deeply saddened by this event. "Kofi was a very caring young man with a wide circle of friends. Kofi was also an accomplished sportsman. He was a member of the school's under 15 soccer team and represented us in the Leinster Shield final on the 19th May 2025. "Kofi was also a member of the school's under 16 basketball team and represented us in the All-Ireland final on the 23rd January 2025. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi's family and friends at this time." Coláiste Chú Chulainn has announced that the school will be open from 11am to 1pm on Sunday for students, staff, and family who wish to come together in support and remembrance of Kofi. Speaking to RTE News, Principal Thomas Sharkey described Kofi as a "fine young man, very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student." The young sports star, who played soccer for local side Redeemer Celtic, was honoured by the club with a heartfelt tribute on social media. The club posted a poignant photo on their Facebook page, showing two of Kofi's number 6 jerseys placed on the pitch next to a bouquet of flowers. Accompanying the photo, the club wrote: "We are heartbroken. Closed until further notice." Square Utd Underage, a Louth football club, also paid their respects to Kofi with a message on social media stating: "Deepest sympathy on the tragic passing of Kofi, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. RIP Kofi Owusu." Independent councillor Carol Lennon spoke of the tragedy, calling it "a devastating loss" for his family and friends. She said in a Facebook post: "Thinking of those who were present, those who assisted with his recovery and those for whom this will trigger emotions of their own loss." Councillor Sharon Tolan mentioned that "a dark cloud" was looming over the local area. She said: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic accident in Laytown. Please think long and hard before posting any commentary on any social media pages." Gardaí have informed that they're conscious of the videos depicting the heartbreaking event doing the rounds online and are firmly advising against sharing this content through media outlets. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Extra.ie
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Tributes pour in as teen who drowned in Meath is named
Tributes are pouring in following the death of a 'very caring young man with a wide circle of friends' following a tragic drowning accident over the weekend. Kofi Owusu from the Blackrock area of Dundalk had travelled to the River Nanny in Meath on Friday to enjoy the good weather with his friends. The 15-year-old got into difficulty in the water at Laytown at around 6pm on the evening, with a search operation launched by emergency services. Kofi Owusu from the Blackrock area of Dundalk had travelled tot the River Nanny in Meath on Friday to enjoy the good weather with his friends. Pic: Facebook The youngster was pronounced dead at the scene and removed to Navan Hospital where a post-mortem examination is set to take place. Coláiste Chú Chulainn Dundalk led tributes for their late student who had just recently completed his Junior Certificate exams. A statement from the school said: 'Kofu 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 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 school added that the Guidance Counselors and school staff will be on hand to help students deal with the tragedy and the National Education Psychological Services (NEPS) will be supporting and advising staff as they help students. Football club Redeemer Celtic also paid tribute, confirming the club would be closed until further notice. They said: 'Kofi was a fantastically talented lad, a ferocious competitor every time he pulled on the Redeemer kit, and this has seen us achieve unthinkable success time after time and year after year. 'Kofi was a massive part of our club, Kofi was a massive part of our lives. We will strike to keep Kofi's memory within the club… and with absolutely broken hearts. 'Rest in peace Kofi. We will miss you forever Big Man #Number6.'
Irish Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
School leads heartbreaking tributes to 'caring' teen who died while swimming
Emotional tributes have been paid to a teenage boy who died after getting into difficulty while swimming at a popular beach in Co Meath on Friday. Gardaí and emergency services – including the Irish Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter and Drogheda Coast Guard – launched a search operation following reports of a male in difficulty in the water at Laytown at 6.15pm yesterday evening. Tragically, the young man's body was recovered from water by the coastguard shortly after 9.15pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene and his remains were removed to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan where a post mortem will take place. The young man has since been named locally as 15-year-old Kofi Owusu, a secondary school student from the Blackrock area of Dundalk in Co Louth. Kofi had recently finished his Junior Cert exams at Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk, with the school paying tribute to the tragic youngster in a statement shared on social media on Saturday evening. "It is with deep sadness that Coláiste Chú Chulainn and Louth and Meath Education Training Board have learned of the death of Kofi Owusu," a spokesperson for 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 who are deeply saddened by this event. "Kofi was a very caring young man with a wide circle of friends. "Kofi was also an accomplished sportsman. He was a member of the school's under 15 soccer team and represented us in the Leinster Shield final on the 19th May 2025. Kofi was also a member of the school's under 16 basketball team and represented us in the All-Ireland final on the 23rd January 2025. "Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi's family and friends at this time." Coláiste Chú Chulainn announced that the school will open from 11am to 1pm on Sunday to allow for students, staff and family who wish to meet to support one another, and remember Kofi. Speaking to RTE News, Principal Thomas Sharkey described Kofi was a 'fine young man, very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student.' The teenager was a talented athlete who played soccer for local side Redeemer Celtic, with the club paying a touching tribute to Kofi on social media. Redeemer Celtic shared an image to their Facebook page showing two of Kofi's number 6 jerseys laid down on their pitch alongside a bouquet of flowers. Alongside the image, the club wrote: 'We are heartbroken. Closed until further notice.' Louth football club Square Utd Underage also paid tribute to Kofi as they shared a message on social media which read: "Deepest sympathy on the tragic passing of Kofi, our thoughts and prayers are will you all at this sad time. RIP Kofi Owusu." Meanwhile, Independent councillor Carol Lennon said it was "a devastating loss" for his family and friends. "Thinking of those who were present, those who assisted with his recovery and those for whom this will trigger emotions of their own loss," she said in a Facebook post. Councillor Sharon Tolan said "a dark cloud" was hanging over the community. "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." Gardaí say they are aware of videos of the tragic incident that are currently in circulation and are requesting footage and imagery not to be shared by media.
