‘Dark cloud’ hangs over community after teenage boy dies in Co Meath

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

A “dark cloud” hangs over a community in Co Meath after a teenage boy died after getting in difficulty in the water at Laytown.

Condolences have been offered to the family of the teenager for their “devastating loss”, local representatives said.

Emergency services launched a search operation after receiving a report of a male in difficulty in the water at Laytown at 6.15pm on Friday.

The body of a male was removed from the water by the coastguard, gardaí said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and removed to Navan Hospital, where a postmortem is due to take place.

Condolences have been shared with the boy’s family in the wake of the tragedy.

Minister of State and Meath East TD Thomas Byrne said it was “devastating to hear of the tragic death of a teenage boy” in Laytown.

“My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving,” he said on X.

“A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.”

It is devastating to hear of the tragic death of a teenage boy in Laytown earlier this evening. My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving.

A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.

Thank you to…

— Thomas Byrne (@ThomasByrneTD) June 20, 2025

Independent councillor Carol Lennon said it was “a devastating loss” for his family and friends.

“Thinking of those who were present, those who assisted with his recovery and those for whom this will trigger emotions of their own loss,” she said in a Facebook post.

Councillor Sharon Tolan said “a dark cloud” was hanging over the community on Friday night.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic accident in Laytown,” she said on Facebook.

“Please think long and hard before posting any commentary on any social media pages.”