Tributes have been paid to the young man who tragically died after drowning off the coast of Arranmore Island yesterday.
The victim, named locally as Daire Conlon, died after he got into difficulty while swimming with a friend.
The 18-year-old was a sixth year student at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada who was due to sit his Leaving Certificate in June.
He was taken from the water off the beach at Leabgarrow but despite the best efforts of medics at the scene he could not be saved.
Daire is the youngest in his family.
He had been swimming with a friend after earlier saying goodbye to two of his brothers who caught the ferry back to the mainland to travel to London.
The young men were contacted and returned home after hearing the tragic news of Daire’s passing.
Relatives and friends were comforting his parents Claire and Derek and his immediate family last night.
His family home, which operates as a bed and breakfast, looks down on the beach where he tragically perished.
Local priest Rev. John Boyce attended the heartbreaking scene after Daire was taken ashore.
He gave the young student the last rites.
He said there are simply no words to describe how the community of Arranmore is feeling now following the tragedy.
“There is very little to say. There are no words to describe the situation and the only word you could use is numb. That’s how people feel,” he said.
Speaking about attending the scene of the tragedy, Fr Boyce added “It just never gets any easier.”
Chairperson of the Arranmore Island Community Council, Adrian Begley, said Daire’s young age made the tragedy all the more poignant.
“The entire Arranmore Island community both at home and abroad are in shock at the tragic loss of one of its much loved young people.
“His young age of only eighteen years made this devastating incident all the more poignant.
“Arranmore Island Community Council wish to extend their deepest sympathies to his grieving family, to whom his loss will be immeasurable.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wider family circle, his friends and the emergency services who attended the scene and done all they could to help,” he said.
Members of the Arranmore RNLI who took part in the efforts to save Daire paid tribute to the much loved young islander.
In a statement it said “Arranmore RNLI wish to express our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man who tragically lost his life at Leabgarrow, Arranmore Island yesterday depite the best efforts of the RNLI crew, local GP, ambulance medics, Rescue 188 and locals.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his heartbroken family and friends at this sad time. May he rest in peace.”
Daire’s remains are reposing at his late residence, which is strictly private to family and school friends.
His funeral Mass will take place this Friday, January 7, in St Crona’s Church, Arranmore, followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.
