‘Dark cloud' hangs over community after teenage boy dies in Meath
A 'dark cloud' hangs over a community in Co Meath after a teenage boy died after getting in difficulty in the water at Laytown.
Condolences have been offered to the family of the teenager for their 'devastating loss', local representatives said.
Emergency services launched a search operation after receiving a report of a male in difficulty in the water at Laytown at 6.15pm on Friday.
The body of a male was removed from the water by the coastguard, gardai said.
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
He was pronounced dead at the scene and removed to Navan Hospital, where a post-mortem examination is due to take place.
Condolences have been shared with the boy's family in the wake of the tragedy.
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.'
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 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.'
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Sunday World
7 hours ago
- Sunday World
‘Devastating loss' – Second swimming tragedy as two teens die while swimming in separate incidents
Emergency services recovered the body of a teenager after getting into difficulty in the water near a popular beach in Co Meath last night. A second teenager has been confirmed dead in two separate swimming tragedies as temperatures remain high across the country. Emergency services recovered the body of a teenager after getting into difficulty in the water near a popular beach in Co Meath last night. While 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. A search operation was launched yesterday evening by emergency services after receiving reports of a male in difficulty in the water at Laytown, Co Meath at 6.15pm. It's understood the boy was swimming with friends in the River Nanny near Laytown beach. The body of a young male was recovered from water by the coastguard and his remains were taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan where a post mortem will take place. 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. Laytown, Co Meath. Today's News in 90 seconds - 21st June 2025 Condolences have been offered to the family of the teenager 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.' 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 Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Dark cloud' hangs over community after teenage boy dies in Meath
A "dark cloud" hangs over a community in Co Meath after a teenage boy died after getting in difficulty in the water at Laytown. Condolences have been offered to the family of the teenager for their "devastating loss", local representatives said. Emergency services launched a search operation after receiving a report of a male in difficulty in the water at Laytown at 6.15pm on Friday. The body of a male was removed from the water by the coastguard, gardai said. He was pronounced dead at the scene and removed to Navan Hospital, where a post-mortem examination is due to take place. Condolences have been shared with the boy's family in the wake of the tragedy. 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." 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 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 Times
10 hours ago
- Irish Times
‘Dark cloud' hanging over Laytown following death of teenager
A 'dark cloud' is hanging over a Co Meath village following the death of a teenage boy who was swimming in Laytown, Co Meath yesterday evening. A search operation was launched at about 6.15pm after reports were received that a youth was in difficulty in the water. The boy was swimming with his friends in the Rivery Nanny near Laytown beach. The Rescue 116 helicopter and the Coast Guard Unit from Drogheda were among those who attended at the scene. The boy's body was taken from the water shortly after 9.30pm and was removed to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, Co Meath where a postmortem is due to take place. READ MORE Gardaí have indicated that videos of the incident are in circulation and ask that footage and imagery not be shared. Minister of State for European Affairs and Meath East Fianna Fáil TD, Thomas Byrne, said that it was 'devastating' to hear of the teenager's death. . 'My heart goes out to his family, friends and all who are grieving. A summer moment has turned in to an incalculable loss. 'Thank you to the Coast Guard teams, emergency services, and local volunteers who responded. He asked people to respect the family's privacy and avoid sharing any images or details online. Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sharon Tolan, said 'a dark cloud' was hanging over the community following the death. She said her 'thoughts and prayers' were with everyone impacted by the tragic incident. Independent councillor Carol Lennon, whose municipal district is in Laytown, said what started as a great summer's day ended with 'the loss of a young life, a teen, enjoying the first tasters of summer in 2025.' This is the second drowning of a teenager in Ireland this week. On Tuesday, Peter Byrne (17) from Cloghristick, Milford in Co Carlow drowned in the River Barrow. He was swimming with a friend when he got in to difficulty around 6.30pm in the river in the Milford area outside Carlow town. His body was recovered at 11.30pm on Tuesday. His remains were taken to Waterford University Hosptial where a postmortem examination took place. A file is also being prepared for the coroner. Funeral arrangements have been finalised for Mr Byrne. He will lie in repose at is home in Carlow from 1pm tomorrow with prayers at 8pm. His funeral will take place at The Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow at 10am with burial following at St Mary's Cemetery. His family have asked that mourners donate to Irish Water Safety in lieu of flowers. He is survived by his parents Antoinette and Stephen, his step-father Dermot, his five siblings, and his grandparents.
