Communities in South-East Clare have been rocked by the tragic death of a seven year-old boy following an incident at a swimming pool in Ballina, Killaloe on Saturday.
Extending his sympathy to the family, An Taoiseach Simon Harris described the death of Shay Lynch, Shannonview, Ardnataggle, O’Brien’s Bridge as “absolutely heartbreaking”.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Harris stated: “I know people right across Ireland are keeping this family and the community of Clonlara in Clare in their thoughts and prayers at such a sad and difficult time”.
Clonlara National School has implemented its Critical Incident Management Plan. The school is liaising with the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) to ensure support structures are in place to help our school community cope with this tragedy.
Funeral arrangements for Shay James Lynch have been announced following what has been described in his death notice as “tragic accident”.
Shay was predeceased by his grandmother, Christina.
He is survived by his heartbroken family, parents James and Tania, sister Abi, grandparents Jerome, Joe and Kathleen, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and his many friends.
The deceased will be reposing in Mc Mahon’s Funeral Home, Blackwater, this Tuesday April 23rd Apri) from 5pm to 7pm.
His remains will arrive for funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 24 in St. Senan’s Church, Clonlara, at 11am followed by burial afterwards in St Thomas’ Church grounds, Bridgetown.
In a statement issued by issued on social media by Scoil Seanáin Naofa principal, Donnchadh Kelleher outlined the school community has experienced the tragic death of their beloved pupil, Shay Lynch, who was a much loved First Class pupil.
His bright smile and his kind heart endeared him to everyone in our school community.
He will be sadly missed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents Tania and James, his sister Abi, the extended family and his wide circle of friends.
“Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated.”
The school has implemented its Critical Incident Management Plan. It is liaising with the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) to ensure support structures are in place to help our school community cope with this tragedy.
“The school’s sole focus is supporting our school community at this difficult time and therefore we are not in a position to comment further,” Mr Kelleher added.
In a statement issued to the Clare Champion, management at the Lakeside Hotel expressed its deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and those who knew the young boy who passed away following a tragic accident in their swimming pool on Saturday.
“The hotel extend our heartfelt gratitude to our lifeguards, team members and the emergency services who did all they could in responding to this incident. As a mark of respect, our leisure centre will remain closed for the coming days.
“We will not be commenting further on this very sad incident.”
Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at a swimming pool on a premises at the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina, Killaloe, shortly before 3pm on Saturday last.
A seven-year-old boy was transported from the scene to University Hospital Limerick, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The local coroner has been notified, and arrangements are being made for a post-mortem examination.
It is understood from Garda sources this appears to have been a tragic accident, and foul play is not currently suspected.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.