Funeral of boy who drowned in hotel swimming pool to be held on Wednesday

By Cate McCurry and Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

The funeral of a seven-year-old boy who drowned in a hotel swimming pool in Co Clare will take place on Wednesday.

Shay Lynch, from O’Briensbridge near Clonlara in Co Clare, died following the incident in Killaloe on Saturday.

Shay was transported from the scene to University Hospital Limerick, where he was later pronounced dead.

In a funeral post online, his family said he died in a tragic accident.

It said that he is survived by his heartbroken family, parents James and Tania, sister Abi, grandparents Jerome, Joe and Kathleen, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and his many friends.

His funeral will take place on Wednesday at St Senan’s Church in Clonlara at 11am.

Tributes have been paid to the youngster following his death.

Scoil Seanain Naofa in Clonlara said that the first class pupil had a “bright smile” and a “warm heart”.

“He will be greatly missed,” it said.

The school said it had put psychological supports in place for its pupils in the wake of the tragedy.

Clonlara GAA Club said “Shay was a talented, loved and valued member of our U9s team”.

All club activities have been suspended over the coming days as a mark of respect to his family.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the news was “absolutely heartbreaking”.

He said: “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.”

Gardaí and emergency services said they responded to the incident at a swimming pool in Killaloe, Co Clare, shortly before 3pm on Saturday.