Death of boy, 7, in Clare hotel pool 'absolutely devastating ...
The boy was from Ardnataggle, O’Brien’s Bridge, and was a primary school pupil in Clonlara
The child died at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe on Saturday afternoon while attending a birthday party. File photo
Sun, 21 Apr, 2024 - 17:30
The Taoiseach has said the death of a seven-year-old boy in an incident in a hotel swimming pool in Clare is “absolutely heartbreaking”.
The child died at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe on Saturday afternoon while attending a birthday party. He was from Ardnataggle, O’Brien’s Bridge, and was a primary school pupil in Clonlara.
In a statement on X on Sunday afternoon, the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said the tragedy was “absolutely heartbreaking”.
He added: “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.”
The leisure club at the Lakeside Hotel will remain closed for the coming days, according to a post from the hotel on their social media.
The post 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. As a mark of respect, our leisure centre will remain closed for the coming days.”
The boy was taken to University Hospital Limerick and was pronounced dead sometime later.
The local coroner has been notified, and arrangements are being made for a post-mortem examination, according to a garda spokesman.
Local Fianna Fail councillor Tony O’Brien said the incident had “put a really dark cloud around the community”.
Lunchtime News
Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.
Please click here for our privacy statement.
