Walsh, Sean
April 13, 2011Fifteen year old Sean Walsh, the only son of Pat and Martina Walsh of Ballynaberny, Kilrush, drowned after he got into difficulty while swimming in the River Slaney near the bridge at Clohamon with friends around tea time.
A friend went to his aid, but also got into difficulty and had to be rescued by a third person. An immediate search was carried out for Sean, and friends and colleagues from the local Tombrack soccer club were called into assist.
The missing teen was found just before dark and attempts were made to resuscitate him, but too no avail. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Ardkeen Regional Hospital in Waterford.
The tragedy has left his family and all who knew him utterly devastated. Sean, a student at Colaiste Bhride in Carnew, was a talented young sportsman who played with both Tombrack AFC and Kilrush/ Askamore GAA Club.
Earlier in the day, he had attended the Billy Browne Cup Final between Tombrack and Blackwater in Enniscorthy and had decided to go for a swim after the match.
Tombrack Chairman Martin Byrne said yesterday (Monday) that everyone at the club, who Sean had played with since he was just seven years old, was devastated at what had happened. "He was a very likable chap,' he said. "He was a good lad who helped in the club with his father.'
Sean's father Pat is manager with two of the underage girls' teams at the club and is on the committee, and Sean's sisters also play with the club.
Another friend at the club said that Sean had a loveable ' devil-may-care' attitude, and he was always helpful with any club activity. Just last weekend he helped move in two containers for dressing rooms at the club grounds.
He had attended the big match in Enniscorthy and it being a glorious sunny day, he and a few friends decided to go to the river where they loved to swim.
Sean was a good all-round sports player, and was a key member of Kilrush/Askamore GAA Club where he played on the U16 team.
Sean was a popular third year student at Colaiste Bhride in Carnew. 'The school community is deeply saddened that such a young vibrant life should be taken while he was doing something he loved in his locality. Sean will be sadly missed,' said school principal Linda Dunne in a statement yesterday."Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this time.'
Local priest Fr. Joe Power, who lives just two doors away from the family said that 'you couldn't find a nicer young man.'
'Everyone is just shattered', he said. He added that prayers will be said in Kilrush Church tonight (Tuesday) at 8pm. 'It's an opportunity for parishioners to come and say a prayer for his family,' he said.
The second eldest of five children, Sean is survived by his loving parents Pat and Martina, his sisters Sharon, Niamh, Tina and Leanne and a wide circle of family and friends.
He will repose at his home with removal tomorrow (Wednesday at 1.30pm to the neighbouring Kilrush Church for 2pm. Funeral Mass. He will be laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery. May he rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Wexford People
13th April 2011 Tweet
