Teen who died swimming in Carlow is named – ‘No words can express the pain'
Peter Byrne tragically died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Barrow on Tuesday evening
A teenage boy who tragically died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Barrow in Co Carlow yesterday has been named locally as Peter Byrne.
The 17-year-old was in the water at Cloghristick, Milford in Co Carlow with his two friends, also aged in their teens, when he got into difficulty and went under the water.
The alarm was raised at 6.30pm on Tuesday and emergency services including ambulance, fire brigade, gardaí and the Garda Water Unit rushed to the scene and a search for the teenager began.
The young man's body was recovered at 11.30pm last night by divers from the Garda Water Unit within a 10m radius of where he was last seen.
Peter was from Carlow Town and was very well-known and much-loved in the area having played with the local soccer club New Oak F.C.
Principal of St Mary's Academy CBS in Carlow Town, Fiona Lennon, said "no words can express the pain of such a loss".
"We learned this morning of the death of one our past pupils, Peter Byrne," Ms Lennon said.
"Our school and our community are deeply saddened by this tragedy and we are particularly mindful of Peter's family and friends at this time. Their grief is heavy and we hold them in our thoughts as they navigate these difficult days.
The late Peter Byrne
"No words can express the pain of such a loss and we extend to them our deepest sympathies and support.
"We will take time in the coming days to reflect and remember Peter and we ask you to keep his beloved family in your thoughts and prayers."
Mayor of Carlow, Cllr Fintan Phelan, said his thoughts are with Peter's family and also his friends who witnessed the tragedy.
"I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the young man's family," said Cllr Phelan.
"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. It is a very, very sad and difficult time for them all."
Meanwhile principal of St. Joseph's NS in Carlow, Cllr Fergal Browne, paid tribute to Peter, who attended the school as a young child.
"As both a councillor in Carlow and the principal of St Joseph's, a school which Peter was a former student of, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family at this terrible time.
"It is an awful tragedy, especially to lose someone so young."
The late Peter Byrne
News in 90 Seconds - June 18th
Since the tragic news broke this morning, Peter's friends have taken to social media to share their heartbreak and remember a young man who was only starting out in life.
"Rest in eternal peace Peter," wrote one friend on social media. "It was a honour knowing and growing up with you as a child. May God watch over your family at this devastating and hard time.
"You've broken everyone's hearts Peter. You were one-of-a-kind, a true gentleman and a kind and caring soul. May you get the best bed up there, praying for your family at this hard time.
You'll be missed big time. Rest easy kid forever 17. Gone but never forgotten."
"May this true gentleman of a chap at that young age be given the best bed up there, you deserve it," added another friend on social media.
"Gone but never forgotten. Rest in paradise Peter."
Gardaí say Peter's death is being treated as a "tragic incident".
His remains have since been brought to Waterford University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.
A file is also being prepared for the coroner.
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