‘Kind heart and bright smile’— Tributes pour in as 7-year-old boy who died in Clare is named

“He will be greatly missed”

Shay tragically died after getting into difficulty in a swimming pool in Co. Clare, while he was attending a birthday party.

The incident occurred at the Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, near the towns of Ballina and Killaloe, on Saturday, April 20.

Shay was from O’Brien’s Bridge in Clare and was a first-class student at Scoil Seanáin Naofa in Clonlara.

In a statement on Sunday night, principal of Scoil Seanáin Naofa, Donnchadh Kelleher, paid tribute to the “beloved pupil”.

The statement read: “His bright smile and his kind heart endeared him to everyone in our school community. He will be greatly missed.”

“Offers of supports have been pouring in and have been greatly appreciated.

“Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan. We are liaising with the National Educational Psychological Service to ensure support structures are in place to help our school community cope with this tragedy.”

Shay is survived by his parents Tania and James, and his sister Abi.

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— Scoil Seanáin Naofa, Clonlara (@ClonlaraNS) April 21, 2024

Tributes pour in as 7-year-old boy who died in Clare named

Clonlara GAA club also paid tribute to Shay, saying “This evening, after a beautiful sunny Sunday and a titanic display of hurling in Ennis, we have the saddest news to reckon with as a club and a community as we learn of the death of one of our members, Shay Lynch.

“Shay was a talented, loved and valued member of our U9s team.

“Our hearts, thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to Shay’s parents, James and Tania, his sister Abi and his extended family, his many friends, teammates, coaches, Clonlara school staff and all connected with him in our club and Official Truagh Camogie Club.

“All club activities will be suspended over the coming days as a mark of respect to Shay and the Lynch and Conroy families.

“Thank you for your understanding and support. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal. May Shay rest well and in peace.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris also paid tribute to the boy’s death, which he described as “absolutely heartbreaking”.

“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,” he said in a post on X.