County Clare school's tribute after boy dies in swimming pool

Shay Lynch was a pupil at Scoil Seanáin Naofa in Clonlara

The principal of a primary school attended by a boy who died in a swimming pool incident in County Clare has said he was "much loved" and will be "greatly missed".

The boy who died in the incident on Saturday was seven-year-old Shay Lynch, who attended Scoil Seanáin Naofa in Clonlara.

Irish Broadcaster RTÉ said the boy had died after getting into difficulty in a swimming pool at the Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre, which overlooks Killaloe and Ballina.

He was taken to University Hospital Limerick, where he was later pronounced dead.

In a statement, the principal Donnchadh Kelleher paid tribute to Shay, saying his "bright smile and his kind heart endeared him to everyone in our school community".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents Tania and James, his sister Abi, the extended family and his wide circle of friends," he added.

Mr Kelleher said the school had implemented its critical incident management plan, and is liaising with the National Educational Psychological Service to ensure support structures are in place to help the school community.

'Loved and talented'

Gardaí (Irish police) said emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly before 15:00 local time on Saturday.

In a statement, the Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre said its "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".

"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.”

In a statement on Sunday, Clonlara Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club said Shay "was a talented, loved and valued member of our U9s team".

It said all "club activities will be suspended over the coming days as a mark of respect".

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris described the incident as "absolutely heartbreaking".

"I know people right across Ireland are keeping this family and the community of Clonlara in County Clare in their thoughts and prayers at such a sad and difficult time."