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.
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Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Water safety chief issues urgent appeal in wake of recent swimming tragedies
Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to exercise increased caution around water after the tragic drowning of a sixth teenager in as many week. Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said: 'We urge everyone – parents, carers, communities, and individuals – to talk about water safety before you even leave the house, especially during warm weather when more people are drawn to the water. 'When you bring children or friends to a waterway, take a moment to visualise drawing an imaginary line on the ground, a clear boundary that must not be crossed until you've assessed the risks and had a real conversation about safety. 'Once there, swim within your depth, stay within your depth and don't take your eyes off children — not even for a second. They need constant, uninterrupted adult supervision. That means active watching — not just being nearby. "Talk to them about the importance of lifesaving equipment like ringbuoys — and why it's crucial never to tamper with or misuse them. These are small actions — but they can make the biggest difference.' Kofi Owusu was the sixth drowning victim of someone under 18 in six weeks. The 15-year old was swimming in the River Nanny at Laytown, Co Meath, when he got into difficulties underneath a footbridge. He was with a group of other boys playing in the water but it is believed he was carried away by a strong current and became submerged. The alarm was raised by a member of the public around 6.15pm on Friday and a search and rescue operation was launched within minutes. His body was discovered in the river shortly after 9.30pm. Kofi, who had been living in the Blackrock area of Dundalk in Co Louth, had recently finished his Junior Cert exams and was among a group of teenagers who had gone to the seaside town of Laytown for the day. He was also a talented basketball player, part of the Coláiste Chu Chulainn squad from Dundalk which reached the All-Ireland Cup 'B' U-16 final last year. The area of the river where the teen drowned is tidal with strong swirling currents making it dangerous even for strong swimmers. Local Labour TD Ged Nash told the Sunday Mirror that the young man's death was a 'dreadful tragedy'. He added: 'This is a dreadful tragedy and an indescribable loss to the young man's family and friends. 'My heart goes out to Kofi's family, his friends and all of those who witnessed Friday evening's terrible tragedy. The community thanks the emergency services and local volunteers for their actions. 'I want to appeal to everyone who wants to enjoy the water to do so safely and to take all of the necessary precautions and safety advice.' After the alarm was raised, the Dublin-based Irish Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter was overhead within 25 minutes and the Drogheda Coast Guard Unit was launched. Kofi's body was taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, where a post-mortem was due to be carried out. Local Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan, who lives in the area, said a dark cloud is hanging over the community. 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.' Independent Meath County Councillor Carol Lennon described the drowning as a 'devastating tragedy' and thanked those involved in the search operation. She said: 'The loss of life in tragic circumstances is devastating, and we want to offer our sincere condolences to the families. 'What started as a great summer's day ended with the loss of a young life.' Tributes poured in yesterday for the popular schoolboy who was described as an all round sports star. Redeemer Celtic in Dundalk placed Kofi's number six shirt in the centre circle of their pitch along with a wreath in tribute to their deceased player.
The Journal
9 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
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- 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.
