Tragedy strikes at the heart of the community

A DARK cloud hangs over the communities of Meelick and Parteen following the tragic drowning of 17-year-old Joe Killeen near the Ardnacrusha Power Station.

Joe, from Kyleavoher, Meelick, was the fifth person to drown in the country over a four-day period last week. His body was recovered by Killaloe Coast Guard Unit and Limerick Marine Search and Rescue at around 6pm on Friday.

Well-known throughout the area, the popular teenager entered the Headrace Canal about 300 yards above the powerstation, between Clancy’s and Barry’s Shop.
The alarm was raised at around 4.40pm and prompted an extensive search of the area by a number of units from the Limerick Marine Search and Rescue Service, gardaí, and the Irish Coastguard helicopter, which helped in the recovery operation.

Tragically, his death came after the ESB had issued a reminder on Friday morning that people are not allowed to swim in its reservoirs due to the risk of uneven ground, deep waters, changing levels and fast-flowing waters.

Local parish priest Fr Tom Carroll said Joe’s parents, Marie and Pat, his brother, Cian (16) and younger sisters, Jenny and Tara, are devastated after this “very unfortunate tragedy”.
“This is the last thing you want to hear, particularly such a young person. All the neighbours have been very supportive of the family and are rallying around them during this very difficult time.”
His father Pat is from Ballinacurra Weston and his mother, Marie, hails from Garryowen. They moved to the Kyleavoher Housing Estate near the entrance to Meelick GAA grounds about 10 years ago.

Clare County Council Water Safety Development officer Liam Griffin has appealed to people not to swim in any area that does not have a lifeguard on duty.
Councillor Cathal Crowe previously taught Joe and Cian, who were in the one class at Meelick National School. Acknowledging people should not swim in the canal, Councillor Crowe pointed out swimming at this location is an age-old tradition and is regarded almost as a “rite of passage”.

He noted there have been about four drownings in the Head Race and Tail Race canal over the past decade. “I hope and pray this is the last tragedy at this location. I am sure when we were 17 we all did things we weren’t supposed to do, despite warnings from our parents.

“People of that age tend to feel invincible until their early twenties. Groups of teenagers from Corbally and Meelick are regularly seen walking out the canals with towels during warm weather. It has become almost a rite of passage, albeit a dangerous one, for many years.

“The entire community, particularly young people, are distraught over this tragic event. It has brought it home to them the risk of mortality when someone so full of energy and life dies.

“It is believed there is up to 80 feet of water in some parts of the canal. Currents can pick up very quickly when the sluice gates are open,” he said.

Councillor Crowe said Joe was a lovely boy to teach and even up to recent times always gave him a big smile when they met in the locality.

“He was very affable and well liked. He was a very talented sportsman. He played Gaelic football with Meelick and soccer with Parkville AFC. “I was in a state of shock when I heard it. You get a sickly feeling when you hear a young person has died,” he said.

Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald added, “People are stunned at this terrible happening and my condolences go out to the grieving family and I am sure I can say the same for those living in the parish of Parteen/Meelick.
“I would appeal to parents to be mindful of their children anywhere near water, whether it be at the seaside, rivers or lakes.”

A number of Meelick games, which were scheduled for the GAA grounds, were cancelled as a mark of respect to the family.
Joe played hurling and football with Meelick at U-12 and U-14 level and was a member of the Féile side when the national competition was hosted in the Banner County.