The 17-yr-old who tragically died while swimming in the River Barrow in Carlow has been identified as Peter Byrne, reports RTE.
A native of Carlow town, Peter was widely known and well-regarded in the local community.
His family expressed heartbreak over the loss, describing him as a “fun loving boy” who had so much ahead of him in life, reports RTE.
They shared that he had a passion for music and attending concerts, and would be sorely missed by his many friends and relatives.
Peter also had a keen interest in sports and was a player for the New Oak Soccer Club in the area, reports RTE.
His body was located by garda divers at approximately 11pm on Tuesday evening after he encountered trouble while swimming.
Reports suggest that Peter was swimming with a friend around 6.30pm in the Milford area of the river, roughly 8km from Carlow town, when the incident happened, reports RTE.
The friend attempted to assist him but was also affected by the strong current, eventually managing to swim to safety and alert emergency services.
Gardaí have kept the area sealed off as investigations continue, reports RTE.
Carlow town’s Mayor described the incident as deeply “shocked and saddened” the local community.
Councillor Fintan Phelan offered his “deepest sympathies” to Peter’s loved ones, reports RTE.
He remarked on the heartbreak of how an ordinary swim among friends could turn into such a devastating loss.
Water Safety Ireland has urged swimmers to exercise extreme caution in rivers and seas during warm weather, warning of hidden and dangerous currents, reports RTE.
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