Boy (15) who died after getting into difficulty at Lough Ree named

Sean Ryan

The teenage boy who drowned in Lough Ree in Co Westmeath has been named as Martin Greene.

The 15-year-old, from Brawny Close, Athlone, died after getting into difficulty in the water on Saturday, July 11th.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of a person in difficulty in the water off Carnakilla Point, at Portlick in Glasson, shortly after 7.30pm.

Following a search operation that is believed to have lasted for a little over an hour, the boy was recovered from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The multi-agency response to the incident involved the Irish Coast Guard, Lough Ree RNLI, Gardaí, the ambulance service, and civil defence.

The boy was removed to the mortuary at Mullingar Hospital, where a postmortem will be arranged, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Martin was a third-year student at Athlone Community College.

One of his teachers wrote, "I had the pleasure of teaching Martin in Athlone Community College. A pleasant young man who always had a smile on his face.

"On the rugby pitch he had so much talent and skill. Always enjoyed trips away with the rugby lads. We had many days of laughter as coaches and players together."

Martin is predeceased by his father, John and his grandparents, Peter, Christopher & Christina.

He is survived by his mother Yvonne, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandmother, relatives and many friends.

In a message on RIP.ie, his family wrote, "May he rest in peace. You will Never Walk Alone."