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‘Life & soul of the dressing room' – Heartbreaking football team tribute to teen who died in Carlow swimming tragedy
A CARLOW football team has paid emotional tribute to "beloved" teen Peter Byrne who tragically died in a swimming incident.
The young player for New Oak FC passed away after getting into difficulty in the water at Cloghristick, Milford, Co
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The emergency services, including the ambulance, fire brigade and
Peter is believed to have been swimming with friends when he got into difficulty in the river in the Milford area of the county - around eight kilometres from
The teen, who had just finished Transition Year in the local CBS secondary
It's believed that they then decided to go swimming.
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And the student's friend saw him get into difficulty in the water and tried to help him.
New Oak FC took to
They wrote on
"Peter was a pocket rocket in the team over the last number of years.
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"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."
They continued: "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.
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"On behalf of everyone at New Oak FC 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."
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The local community was also left devastated by the news of his sad passing, with a few taking to the comments section to express their condolences.
One person said: "What heartbreaking and awful news, may he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to his family, friends and also your club."
Someone else wrote: "So sorry to all Peter's family, friends and teammates. I can't begin to imagine how you all must be feeling.
'GREAT PLAYER'
"Thinking of you all at this sad time. He was a great player, may Peter rest in peace."
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A third wrote: "Condolences to all his teammates, may his gentle soul Rest in Eternal Peace, Forever Young."
Mayor of Carlow Fintan Phelan described it as a 'terrible incident' and said he was 'shocked and saddened' by what had occurred.
He sent his sympathies to the young man's family and also the friends who witnessed the tragedy.
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'My thoughts are with them all at this incredibly difficult time and my thoughts are also with his friends who were there when this terrible incident happened. Look, it's a sad and difficult time for them all.'
In a statement yesterday a Garda spokesperson said: "Following a search operation involving Gardai and emergency services, the Garda Water Unit recovered the body of a male, aged in his late teens, from the River Barrow at Milford, Co. Carlow, yesterday evening, Tuesday 17th June 2025.
"His remains have been transferred to Waterford University Hospital where a postmortem examination will take place in due course. A file will be prepared for the Coroner."
No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
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Peter Byrne passed away after getting into difficulty in the water on Tuesday evening
Credit: SOCIAL MEDIA COLLECT
