Two Teenagers Drown In Co Clare Quarry Lake

Two 15-year-old boys have died after getting into difficulty while swimming in a Co Clare quarry lake.

Gardaí and emergency services were called to reports that people were in difficulty in the water at Knockanean quarry lake in Ennis at about 3.30pm on Thursday 31 May. A rescue helicopter was also despatched to the scene from Shannon.

According to reports, emergency services search for over 40 minutes before the located the bodies of two teenage boys under the water.

The boys were airlifted to UnHospital Limerick in a critical condition, but were later pronounced dead.

The names of the boys have not been officially released, but one of the boys has been named as Jack Kenneally, by Ennis Community College, where he was a second year student.

In a statement released by the college, Brian O'Donoghue Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management, said: "We learned yesterday evening (31st May 2018) of the death of Jack Kenneally, a second year student at our school.  We are deeply saddened by his death. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Jack's family and friends. May he rest in peace.

"This is a terrible tragedy for the Kenneally family, our school and our community.

"Jack was a talented rugby player and played for Ennis RFC. He was so proud of his achievements as we all were. Jack will be greatly missed by his fellow students and teachers.

"Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated. Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan.

"Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) are supporting and advising teachers in their support of students and their families to deal with this terrible loss.

"We would ask you to respect our need to support our students privately at this time.

"Thank you."

(MH)