Tributes paid to ‘kind' man after body recovered from canal
Peter Dinnegan died in the early hours of Sunday morning
Tributes have been paid to Peter Dinnegan, whose body was recovered from the banks of the Royal Canal in Mullingar on Sunday morning.
Emergency services discovered the 55-year-old after they were called to the scene just after 6am.
Mourners took to social media to pay their respects, and share condolences.
'Rest in peace to my old friend Peter Dinnegan, I'm so sorry for all the family lost he was a very nice man and he was kind and we will all miss him,' one person wrote.
'Rip Peter Dinnegan, may god watch over the family,' another shared.
A third added: 'Condolences to all the Dinnegan family on the passing of Peter at this sad time.'
Meanwhile, a family member said: 'Peter I'll never understand why. God may give you best bed in heaven your back with Willie, Michael, Patrick and Lily.
'Mind nanny and grandad and all the family get through this it's to much for them to lose 5 within 4 year please god look down on them.
'Gowan my uncle Peter Dinnegan fly high you legend.'
Stock photo
Today's News in 90 Seconds - 09 June 2025
Gardaí are awaiting the results of a post-mortem which they say will determine the course of their investigation.
'Gardaí were alerted to the discovery of a body in the Royal Canal, Mulingar, shortly after 6am on Sunday 08th June 2025,' a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said.
'The deceased male was recovered from the canal by the Fire Service.
'His body has been transferred to the morgue, where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The results of the examination will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
'Investigations are ongoing.'
Funeral details are yet to be announced.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
Man arrested under Terrorism Act after viable device thrown inside Belfast Islamic Centre
Police probe potential hate motive as incident is widely condemned Police said a viable device was thrown inside the building. A window was smashed during the incident. One man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act. Kashif Akram said the attack, which happened shortly after 10pm last night, had caused much distress. He told the Belfast Telegraph the centre, on University Road, had to be evacuated, disrupting evening prayers. Political representatives branded it a sinister attack and said it must be strongly condemned. A broken window after an attack at the Belfast Islamic Centre. Photo: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press Police said one man remained in custody this afternoon. Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said: 'Police received a report at approximately 10.10pm on Friday that an object had been thrown through a window at a property in the University Road area of the city. 'Officers attended and carried out a search of the building where a suspicious device was discovered. 'Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the object which was determined as viable and has since been removed for forensic examination. 'A 34-year-old man was arrested under the Terrorism Act at the scene and remains in police custody at this time. It is important to stress that, while the suspect has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, the motive for the attack has not yet been established. Police at the scene last night (left) and the Islamic Centre this morning (right) News in 90 Seconds - June 21st 'Detectives from Serious Crime Branch are currently working at pace and are exploring a number of potential motivating factors including the possibility that this is a hate crime. 'At this time, no other persons are being sought in connection with the attack.' A video from the first floor of the centre, seen by this newspaper, shows a man reaching into the building. . "I saw the flames in his hand from above but couldn't capture it in the video," they said. A pedestrian walking by stopped the suspect from doing any damage. A clip of the incident shows the young man grabbing the suspect and pulling him away. The suspect can be heard telling the pedestrian that he was "trying to save the world" as he was being dragged away. "He was the first to stop him," the witness continued. "Only then did we reach there." Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph today, Mr Akram said he strongly condemned the 'vile attack'. 'During evening prayers last night, one of the windows was broken and a device was thrown inside the building,' he said. Police at the scene of the security alert outside Belfast Islamic Centre (Photo by Kevin Scott) 'Everyone was evacuated from the building and the police were quick to respond. 'We were unable to continue night prayers as the whole area was cordoned off and nobody was allowed near the building. 'A bomb squad eventually removed the device in the early hours of this morning. 'We have had incidents in the past but nothing of this kind.' He said that while members were very angry and upset, the centre has been able to reopen today. South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said she was 'appalled' at the attack. 'I am hugely relieved that no one was seriously injured, but this was a frightening and disturbing experience for the centre's users and for all of us who value a peaceful and shared society,' she said. Read more Hanna added: 'Belfast is an open and welcoming city. No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship.' SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole said it was a 'cowardly attack' and 'yet another stark reminder of the very real and growing threat of race hate in our society'. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said: 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time. 'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity.' The Belfast Islamic Centre in the south of the city. Photo: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said the 'sinister' incident must be strongly condemned. She added: 'No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship, and my thoughts are with everyone affected. 'Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home. 'It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour.' Green Party councillor Áine Groogan said she was 'horrified', describing it as a "cowardly and vicious act'.
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
Gardaí seize €2m worth of cannabis herb in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10
Gardaí raided a business premises as part of Operation Tara Gardaí have seized €2m worth of cannabis herb in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 today. Gardaí raided a business premises as part of Operation Tara. The searches were carried out by Gardaí from Ballyfermot Garda Station, Clondalkin Community Engagement Area, and Detective Gardaí from Serious Crime South. The drugs seized are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland. . News in 90 Seconds - June 21st Gardai say there were no arrests and investigations are ongoing. Operation Tara is the enhanced national anti-drugs strategy launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in July 2021. The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute drug trafficking networks at all levels – international, national, and local – involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale, and supply of controlled drugs.
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
School leads tributes as teen (15) who died swimming in Co Meath named locally
Kofi Owusu (15) died while swimming in the River Nanny near Laytown Beach in Co Meath Kofi Owusu, aged 15, from Dundalk died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Laytown on Friday evening Tributes have been paid to a teenage boy who died while swimming near a Co Meath beach yesterday afternoon. The teen has been named locally as Kofi Owusu (15) from Blackrock, outside Dundalk in Co Louth. The teenager tragically died after he got into difficulty swimming in the water under the footbridge in the River Nanny near Laytown beach. It is understood that Kofi, who was with a group of friends at the time of the incident, was visiting Laytown on Friday for a day out at the beach. His body was recovered from the water by the coastguard and his remains were taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan where a post mortem will take place. He was a student of Coláiste Chú Chulainn and a talented soccer player, he played for Redeemer Celtic FC in Dundalk. Gardaí say they are aware of videos of this incident that are currently in circulation and are requesting footage and imagery not to be shared. In a tribute, 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 and the surrounding areas, who are deeply saddened by this event. 'Kofi Owusu completed his Junior Certificate in Coláiste Chú Chulainn in June 2025. Kofi Owusu, aged 15, from Dundalk died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Laytown on Friday evening News in 90 Seconds - June 21st 'Kofi was 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. He was a member of the school's under 15 soccer team and represented the school in the recent Leinster Shield final on the 19th 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 23rd January 2025. "Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi's family and friends at this time.' 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 iin their efforts to assist our students. Redeemer Celtic shared a touching tribute to Kofi on social media, showing two of his number 6 jerseys laid down on a soccer pitch alongside a bouquet of flowers, with the caption: 'We are heartbroken. Closed until further notice.' An outpouring of tributes from members of the Dundalk community was shared underneath the post. As a mark of respect, local soccer club Laytown United FC announced it had postponed a planned end of season presentation day scheduled for Saturday. 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident,' the club said in a statement on Facebook. 'We appreciate your understanding. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.' Meanwhile, this is the second teenager that has been confirmed dead in two separate swimming tragedies as temperatures remain high across the country. Peter Byrne (17) tragically died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Barrow in Co Carlow on Tuesday. The late Peter Byrne. Photo: Separately in Co Dublin, four teenagers were injured after getting into difficulty in the water in two separate incidents in Howth. The Irish Coast Guard has issued an advisory reminding the public 'to take extra precautions in and around water' over the weekend. Condolences have been offered to the family of Kofi Owusu for their 'devastating loss', local representatives said. Minister of State and Meath East TD Thomas Byrne said it was 'devastating to hear of the tragic death of a teenage boy' in Laytown. 'My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving,' he said on X. 'A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.' Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Wayne Harding said: "A young boy has lost his life tragically off our coast this weekend. My thoughts are with his devastated family at this time. "I want to thank all those who responded to the tragedy both in a professional and voluntary capacity. I ask that we be extremely vigilant to the dangers all our water courses pose during these good weather spells." Local East Meath Cllr Carol Lennon said: "The loss of life in tragic circumstances is devastating and we, as a community want to offer our sincere condolences to the families of the boys involved in the tragedy that occurred in the River Nanny on Friday night. 'What started as a great summer's day ended with the loss of a young life, a teen, enjoying the first tasters of Summer of 2025. "I would personally like to thank the emergency services who attended so fast and showed great compassion to the friends and families at the scene'. Councillor Sharon Tolan said 'a dark cloud' was hanging over the community on Friday night. '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.' Irish Coast Guard has issued an advisory reminding the public 'to take extra precautions in and around water' over the weekend. In a statement shared on social media, the Coast Guard urged the public to take precautions and said rip currents 'are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers". Rips are described as strong currents 'that start near the shore and rush out seaward, quickly taking you out of your comfort zone, from the shallows to deeper water.' If caught in a rip current, the advice from the Coast Guard is to remain calm and swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. According to the Coast Guard, rip currents 'typically form at low sports or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groynes, jetties and piers.' Meanwhile, the funeral of teenager Peter Byrne (17) who died swimming in Milford, Co Carlow will take place on Monday. Mr Byrne was swimming with two of his friends when he got into difficulty. The young man's body was recovered at 11.30pm Tuesday night by divers from the Garda Water Unit within a 10 metre radius of where he was last seen. "It is with a very heavy and broken heart that we share the devastating news of the passing of our much beloved youths player Peter Byrne who tragically passed away this week,' read a statement from New Oak F.C. "Peter was a pocket rocket in the team over the last number of years. 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. "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. "On behalf of everyone at New Oak F.C 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.' In Dublin, the Howth RNLI volunteer crew were involved in a multi-agency response to two cliff rescues off the coast of Howth, North Co Dublin, on Thursday afternoon. They received reports of three children cut off by the tide near Lion's Head, which is a popular swimming spot on the south side of the Howth peninsula, close to the Bailey Lighthouse. The injured teenager is winched to safety by Rescue Helicopter 116. Photo: Howth RNLI Shortly before 4.30pm, the inshore lifeboat was launched by the RNLI, with three crew on board, assisted by the Howth Coast Guard Unit and Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116, who quickly made their way to the scene amid moderate sea conditions. Two teenagers, who were stranded on the cliff, were located by the Howth Coast Guard cliff team. As the team tried to recover one of the injured teenagers, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin, which coordinated the rescue, asked the lifeboat crew to remain on standby. While on scene, the lifeboat was diverted to a separate emergency nearby where a teenager had fallen from cliffs at White Water Brook, a remote beach below cliffs on the eastern side of the peninsula. Howth RNLI crew member climbs onto rocks at the base of cliffs in Howth. Photo: Howth RNLI The lifeboat crew were directed by beachgoers to a teenager, who had fallen approximately six metres onto rocks at the water's edge, sustaining multiple lacerations and suspected fractures. A second teenager had swum to assist him and was holding him steady on a rock when the lifeboat arrived at the scene. The lifeboat crew made their way across rocks to assess the injured teen, assisted by the Howth Coast Guard and Howth All-Weather lifeboat. However, due to the swiftly rising tide, the injured teen needed to be immediately evacuated by a helicopter. The Rescue 116 deployed its winchman, who assessed the teen's injuries and secured him in a rescue harness, winching them both to safety. The second teenager was showing the signs of hypothermia and was assisted across the rocks and brought aboard the inshore life boat. He was later transferred to the lifeboat and taken to Howth Lifeboat Station, where he was handed into the care of an ambulance crew and transported to the hospital. Helm of the inshore lifeboat, Killian O'Reilly, said: 'This was a challenging afternoon with two serious incidents in quick succession, both in difficult, rocky locations.' "On a sunny summer's day, it's easy to underestimate the risks around the coastline – but the sea and cliffs can be unforgiving. "The teamwork shown between the RNLI, Coast Guard units, and Rescue 116 was exceptional and ensured the best possible outcome in tough circumstances,' he added. He urged the public to be aware of the dangers and know what to do where they might find themselves in difficulty in the water, especially during this spell of hot weather. 'Air temperatures may feel warm, but water temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock. If you get into difficulty, remember float to live: tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. "Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety,' he added. The members of the public are advised to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if they or someone else gets into difficulty near the coast.
