Tributes paid to 7-year-old boy who had a 'bright smile and big heart' after tragic drowning

Tributes have been paid to seven-year-old boy Shay Lynch, who tragically drowned in a hotel swimming pool over the weekend.

He is believed to have been at a birthday party at the Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre in Killaloe, Co Clare, when the tragedy occurred. The boy lived nearby, with the community in mourning after the terrible news.

His school, Scoil Seanáin Naofa in Clonlara, posted a statement confirming the terrible news.

“Our school community has experienced the tragic death of our beloved pupil, Shay Lynch,” the statement said.

“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.

“Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated.

“Our school has implemented our critical incident management plan. We are liaising with the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) to ensure  support structures are in place to help our school community cope with this tragedy.

"We would ask you to respect our privacy at this time. Thank you. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.” - Donnchadh Kelleher, principal.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris offered his sympathies. 

“I know people right across Ireland are keeping this family and the community of Clonlara in Co Clare in their thoughts and prayers at such a sad and difficult time,” he said in a post on X.

In a statement, the hotel said: “Our 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 yesterday.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our lifeguards, team members and the emergency services who did all they could in responding to this incident.”

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— Scoil Seanáin Naofa, Clonlara (@ClonlaraNS) April 21, 2024

Councillor Tony O'Brien, cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District said it was "a very tragic incident." He added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the little boy. It has cast a real dark shadow over our community, but I'm sure the community will offer any supports to the family in the coming weeks."

The Very Rev Edmund V. O’Rahelly, of the Ballina and Boher parish also paid tribute, stating: "I of course extend my sympathies to the family."

Clonlara GAA Club released a statement online paying tribute to their young player. “This evening, we have the saddest news to reckon with as a club and a community, as we learn of the death of one of our members,” the statement read.
The statement described the young player as “talented, loved and (a) valued member of our U9s team”.

“Our hearts, thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to (the child’s family) and his extended family, his many friends, teammates, coaches, Clonlara school staff and all connected with him in our club and Official Truagh Camogie Club”.