'There are no words' - Deep sadness at boy's drowning in Tipperary hotel

Hearts across the country are with the family of the seven-year-old boy who tragically drowned in a hotel swimming pool on the Limerick/Tipperary border.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at the Leisure Centre at the Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in north Tipperary, which overlooks the towns of Ballina and Killaloe, shortly before 3pm this Saturday.

The child, who is understood to have been from east Clare, was transported from the scene to University Hospital Limerick, where he was later pronounced deceased.

A tribute posted by a spokesperson for the hotel to social media said: "Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and those who knew the young boy who passed away following a tragic accident in our swimming pool yesterday.

"We 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."

Taoiseach Simon Harris called the incident "absolutely heartbreaking".

Absolutely heartbreaking. I know people right across Ireland are keeping this family and the community of Clonlara in Co Clare in their thoughts and prayers at such a sad and difficult time https://t.co/lJQUovyGXn

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 21, 2024

Councillor Tony O'Brien, cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District also spoke, saying it was "a very tragic incident." He added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the little boy. It has cast a real dark shadow over our community, but I'm sure the community will offer any supports to the family in the coming weeks."

The Very Rev Edmund V. O’Rahelly, of the Ballina and Boher parish also paid tribute, stating: "I of course extend my sympathies to the family."

This Saturday evening, TD for Clare, Cathal Crowe, wrote on social media: "Awful tragic news emerging tonight -  a 7 year old boy lost his life in a drowning accident earlier today.

"The boy hasn’t been named just yet but if you pray, please offer up some prayers for his poor family - there simply are no words."

Across social media, members of the public are also extending their hands of sympathy to those who knew the boy. 

One person wrote: "It is heartbreaking for his family & friends and they are foremost in our thoughts and prayers. Thinking also of the staff at the Lakeside (lifeguards) impacted by this tragedy."

Another saddened member of the public said: "Deepest sympathies to his family. May his gentle soul rest in peace."