Expressions of grief and sorrow have followed the tragic death of a young boy who encountered difficulty while swimming at a beach in County Sligo yesterday afternoon, reports RTE.
The child, believed to be seven years old, was reportedly from the nearby town of Ballisodare.
The emergency services were alerted shortly before 3:30pm after a member of the public noticed someone struggling in the water, reports RTE.
A coordinated response involving several agencies was launched, with the boy receiving treatment on the shore before being airlifted by the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 118 helicopter to Sligo University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Volunteers from the Sligo RNLI also responded to the emergency call, reports RTE.
Gardaí confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, and a file will be submitted to the Coroner’s Court.
At mass in Maugherow, prayers were said for the young boy’s family.
Parish priest Fr Tom Hever shared that the community is heartbroken over the incident and expressed his sincere condolences to the grieving family and their broader community, reports RTE.
Fianna Fáil councillor Donal Gilroy, who represents the Sligo Drumcliffe area, said the incident has deeply affected the local community.
“I live nearby and know Lissadell Beach very well. It is a very popular spot with locals and visitors and the good weather has attracted big numbers of holiday caravans and campers this weekend. People are devastated to hear that a little boy has lost his life and our thoughts are very much with his family at this time,” reports RTE.
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