Ennis is in shock on Friday morning following the deaths of two 15-year-old boys in a disused quarry.
Ennis in County Clare is in shock following the deaths of two teenage boys on Thursday.
Jack Kenneally and Shay Maloney – both from the town and aged 15 – got into difficulty while swimming in a disused quarry off the Tulla Road.
Emergency services and Civil Defence were quickly on the scene but, after a search lasting 40 minutes, the bodies of the two boys were found under the water.
Both Jack and Shay were airlifted to Limerick University Hospital but were pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Jack Kenneally was a student at Ennis Community College, who issued this statement on Friday morning.
‘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.’
Meanwhile, Ennis Rugby Club shared the following tribute to both Jack and Shay.
Jack and Shay
Our brothers in arms. Our warriors when the going got tough. Our leaders when the pressure came on. Our pride when they took the field. Our joy when they lit it up off the field. Our devilment when it all got too serious. Our gentlemen always. Our terrible loss. pic.twitter.com/W1Qp9PZrIa
— Ennis Rugby Club (@EnnisRugby) June 1, 2018
Gardaà – as well as a number of local politicians in Clare – have warned people against swimming in deep, unprotected waters during the warm weather.
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