TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to a young Longford teenager who drowned yesterday following an incident on the River Shannon.
The boy – who has been named locally as Damola Adetosoye – got into difficulty while swimming at Harbour View in Termonbarry in Roscommon. It is close to the Roscommon/Longford border.
Gardaí said that they were called to an incident shortly after 5pm. Emergency services as well as members of the garda sub-aqua unit attended the scene.
Damola was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was brought to Roscommon University Hospital where a post-mortem will be carried out.
Tributes
Damola was a member of the Under 16 team with Clonguish GAA Club at Newtownforbes, Co. Longford.
The team posted on its Facebook page about the tragedy last night.
“The Club has been deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Damola Adetosoye which occurred this evening following a tragic drowning accident in Tarmonbarry,” the club said.
Damola was a member of our U16 team and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Damola was also an active member of the Attic House Teen Project Longford, which provides a drug and alcohol free space for teenagers.
The Project released a statement following his death saying it was deeply saddened at the news.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the tragic loss of Damola Adetosoye. On a day that started out as fun in the sun with friends turned to tragedy,” the organisation said.
Damola was described as a “great soccer fan and a powerful respectful player” for the Attic House team. He was involved in the team’s victory in the Roscommon Cup.
“Our hearts are very heavy tonight and our thoughts and prayers are with Damola’s mum Helen, brothers and sister at this very sad time,” the Project said.
To all Damola’s wide circle of friends proving his popularity we embrace you all in your grief.
Damola was also a student in Templemichael College in Longford.
The Project said it would be open throughout the week for all young people wishing to meet with volunteers and staff.
“Damola a champion in heaven,” it said.
Gardaí are investigating the incident.
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