Tributes paid to teenage 'brothers in arms' who drowned in quarry
Two teenage friends who drowned in a disused quarry in Ireland have been described as brothers in arms.
Jack Kenneally and Shay Moloney, both 15, died after getting into difficulties when swimming in the quarry lake at Knockanean on the outskirts of Ennis, Co Clare on Thursday afternoon.
The bodies of the boys, who were from Ennis, were found under the water after an intensive search operation.
They had been swimming with a group of young people enjoying the good weather when the tragedy struck.
They were airlifted to University Hospital Limerick but pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
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
The teenagers both played rugby for Ennis RFC.
The club paid an emotional tribute in a statement on Friday morning.
"Jack and Shay. Our brothers in arms," the club said.
"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, terrible loss.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the Kenneally and Moloney families and also to the friends and team mates of these two wonderful boys. May they rest in peace."
Jack was a second-year student at Ennis Community College.
Death of Ennis Community College Second Year Student Jack Kenneally (RIP).We learned yesterday evening (31st May 2018)...
Posted by Ennis Community College on Thursday, May 31, 2018
Principal Brian O'Donoghue said the school community had been left deeply saddened.
"This is a terrible tragedy for the Kenneally family, our school and our community," he said.
"Jack was a talented rugby player and played for Ennis RFC. He was so proud of his achievements as we all were. Jack will be greatly missed by his fellow students and teachers.
"Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated."
He said the school had implemented its critical incident management plan, with support being offered to staff and pupils.
Shay attended nearby St Flannan's College in Ennis.
In a statement, the school said: "Our thoughts are with Shay's family and friends. Shay was a third-year student and will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
