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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