People in Clare say they're stunned at the tragic drowning of two teenage boys.
Jack Kenneally and Shay Moloney got into difficulty while swimming at a quarry near Ennis at around 3.30pm yesterday afternoon.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services they were pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick shortly afterwards.
The 15-year-olds are being described as talented rugby players who were full of life.
Jack and Shay
Our brothers in arms. Our warriors when the going got tough. Our leaders when the pressure came on. Our pride when they took the field. Our joy when they lit it up off the field. Our devilment when it all got too serious. Our gentlemen always. Our terrible loss. pic.twitter.com/W1Qp9PZrIa
— Ennis Rugby Club (@EnnisRugby) June 1, 2018
Richard Murphy, President of Ennis RFC, said: “Shay and Jack were the heartbeat of our successful u15 squad. They were the guys that lead from the front, the guys that carried the fight, the guys that made the difference.”
“As well as developing into exciting rugby players, both Jack and Shay were developing into fine young men who were a credit to their family and friends. As resolute and fearless as they were on the pitch, they were as funny, engaging and inspiring off the pitch."
He added: "Our club was a better place for having them as part of it and their absence will be keenly felt."
Teenagers Jack Kenneally & Shay Maloney have been described as the “heartbeat of their U-15 team by Club President Richard Murphy #ennis #clare pic.twitter.com/rSMr03elL2
— Paul Quinn (@pdquinn7) June 1, 2018
Their schools say counsellors are available for students and teachers.
Deputy Mayor of Ennis, Ann Norton, says people are devastated.
"It's the fact that they're so young, their whole lives head of them - one of them going in to do his Junior Cert next week.
"I really just don't know how the families are actually coping with this, because it is so young.
"Fifteen years of age is just absolutely devastating".
