Tributes have been pouring in as Ennis and Clare comes to terms with the tragic loss of two teenage boys in a drowning accident.
Jack Kenneally and Shay Moloney, both aged 15, died in the incident at a disused quarry just outside of Ennis yesterday.
Supports are being put in place for pupils at their schools, St. Flannan’s and Ennis Community College.
Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry reports:
A sense of shock is resonating around Ennis today as the town comes to terms with the death of two popular, talented young men.
Jack and Shay, along with a group of friends, went swimming at the disused quarry near Knockanean yesterday but sadly, things took a tragic twist.
It’s believed one of the boys got into difficulty in the water and that others went to help him.
Tragically, two young lives were cut short.
A Garda investigation is continuing, but Sergeant Joe Downey from Ennis Garda Station says it’s being treated as a horrific tragedy.
The two young boys were talented sportsmen, and a tribute to them posted by Ennis Rugby Club has been shared widely, including by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Their coach at the Club, Eamon Connaughton has paid an emotional tribute
Shay was an only child and a third year pupil in St. Flannan’s College Ennis and had been due to begin his Junior Cert exams next Wednesday.
Jack, meanwhile, was just finished his second year student in Ennis Community College and was the only boy in a family of four.
Both schools have paid tribute and NEPS psychologists are on hand to help the grieving student communities.
Deputy Mayor of Ennis Ann Norton says it’s vital that anyone who is struggling with the news reaches out for help.
Both schools have released statement outlining how psychologists are on site today to help the young boys’ friends.
The schools have also appealed for privacy at this time.
Tonight’s planned teenage disco at the Queens in Ennis has been cancelled out of respect.
Shock and incredible sadness is being expressed around Ennis as people locally deal with the news.
These people on the streets of the town have been sharing their thoughts and sympathies, following the tragedy:
