Tributes paid to 15-year-old who drowned in Laytown, Co Meath
TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to a 15-year-old boy from Dundalk who died by drowning after getting into difficulty in the river Nanny in Laytown, Co Meath.
The boy has been named locally as Kofi Owusu, from the Blackrock area of Dundalk, Co Louth.
It's understood that he had jumped into the river with a number of other children from the footbridge in Laytown when he got into difficulty in the river.
The principal of Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk, Thomas Sharkey, said that the school is heartbroken over the loss of Kofi.
He told RTÉ News Kofi was a 'fine young man, very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student.'
Sharkey added that supports will be put in place for students and staff within the school community at this difficult time.
The school posted a statement to social media which said that Kofi was a 'very caring young man with a wide circle of friends' and an 'accomplished sportsman'.
Kofi had recently played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16.
He had finished his Junior Cert exams just ten days ago.
Advertisement
Junior Minister Thomas Byrne has said he was devastated to hear of Kofi's death.
'My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving.
'A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.
'Thank you to the Coast Guard teams, emergency services, and local volunteers who responded.
'Please respect the family's privacy and Gardai have asked to avoid sharing any images or details online,' he said.
Local councillor in Laytown Carol Lennon told
The Journal
that the community is in shock following the tragic incident.
'Kids jump off that bridge every year, and I suppose no group thinks the worst is going to happen, and yesterday it did. Someone had actually raised safety concerns about jumping off the bridge during the week in the town, and now this has happened three days later, it is just awful.
'Everyone is thinking about the boy's friends and family at this terrible time.
'We need more affordable access to swimming lessons, and better water safety education through schools so children know what to do when it comes to public waterways, and also what the best thing to do is if someone you are with gets into difficulty, or if you yourself get into difficulty. There is basic knowledge there that we need to share, because it saves lives.
'Unfortunately in this case it's too late. This was a tragic, awful accident and support will be needed for the other boys who were there and witnessed this, who have lost their friend and been through something traumatic,' she said.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
7 hours ago
- The Journal
Tributes paid to 15-year-old who drowned in Laytown, Co Meath
TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to a 15-year-old boy from Dundalk who died by drowning after getting into difficulty in the river Nanny in Laytown, Co Meath. The boy has been named locally as Kofi Owusu, from the Blackrock area of Dundalk, Co Louth. It's understood that he had jumped into the river with a number of other children from the footbridge in Laytown when he got into difficulty in the river. The principal of Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk, Thomas Sharkey, said that the school is heartbroken over the loss of Kofi. He told RTÉ News Kofi was a 'fine young man, very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student.' Sharkey added that supports will be put in place for students and staff within the school community at this difficult time. The school posted a statement to social media which said that Kofi was a 'very caring young man with a wide circle of friends' and an 'accomplished sportsman'. Kofi had recently played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16. He had finished his Junior Cert exams just ten days ago. Advertisement Junior Minister Thomas Byrne has said he was devastated to hear of Kofi's death. 'My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving. 'A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss. 'Thank you to the Coast Guard teams, emergency services, and local volunteers who responded. 'Please respect the family's privacy and Gardai have asked to avoid sharing any images or details online,' he said. Local councillor in Laytown Carol Lennon told The Journal that the community is in shock following the tragic incident. 'Kids jump off that bridge every year, and I suppose no group thinks the worst is going to happen, and yesterday it did. Someone had actually raised safety concerns about jumping off the bridge during the week in the town, and now this has happened three days later, it is just awful. 'Everyone is thinking about the boy's friends and family at this terrible time. 'We need more affordable access to swimming lessons, and better water safety education through schools so children know what to do when it comes to public waterways, and also what the best thing to do is if someone you are with gets into difficulty, or if you yourself get into difficulty. There is basic knowledge there that we need to share, because it saves lives. 'Unfortunately in this case it's too late. This was a tragic, awful accident and support will be needed for the other boys who were there and witnessed this, who have lost their friend and been through something traumatic,' she said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Sunday World
10 hours ago
- Sunday World
School leads tributes as teen (15) who died swimming in Co Meath named locally
Kofi Owusu (15) died while swimming in the River Nanny near Laytown Beach in Co Meath Kofi Owusu, aged 15, from Dundalk died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Laytown on Friday evening Tributes have been paid to a teenage boy who died while swimming near a Co Meath beach yesterday afternoon. 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 Owusu, aged 15, from Dundalk died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Laytown on Friday evening News in 90 Seconds - June 21st '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. The late Peter Byrne. Photo: 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. The injured teenager is winched to safety by Rescue Helicopter 116. Photo: Howth RNLI 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. Howth RNLI crew member climbs onto rocks at the base of cliffs in Howth. Photo: Howth RNLI 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.
Irish Independent
11 hours ago
- 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.
