Thousands raised for family of 17-year-old who tragically drowned in Carlow

There has been a huge outpouring of support from the Carlow community towards the family of young Peter Byrne who tragically drowned in June at Milford, with thousands raised in a GoFundMe for the family.

Peter, aged just 17-years-old, died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Barrow with two of his friends on Tuesday, 17 June.

The fundraiser was created on 24 July by Antoinette Coster to help cover the cost of young Peter's funeral. So far it has raised over €7,445, with its target being €9,000.

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The GoFundMe's message read: "On the 17th of June our lives changed forever. What started out as a normal Tuesday turned into a nightmare in what can be described as a tragic and devastating event that our beloved Peter drowned in the river at Milford Carlow while swimming with two friends."

It continued: "Peter touched the hearts of every single person that he met. He made everyone laugh and was always up for the crack. He loved playing soccer with New Oak soccer team and playing pool with the boys. He loved music and was always singing and dancing."

"Peter left behind his mother Antoinette, father Stephen and stepfather Dermot, his 3 sisters Mag, Kellieanna and Erin, his brother Scott and twin brother Quintan and his big group of friends."

It concluded: "His death leaves a sadness far and wide. The Byrne family would like to thank everyone for helping them through this hard time and would like the community to help the family cover the cost of the funeral."