Tragic drowning victim went to school in Mullinga

The nineteen-year-old who died in a tragic drowning accident at a popular swimming point on the River Shannon in Athlone last Thursday, June 4, Kieran Cochrane from St. Joseph"s Villas in Athlone, attended school at St. Brigid"s Mullingar for seven years.Kieran got into difficulty while swimming under the N6 bridge in Athlone. Emergency services were alerted to the area and medical attention was given at the scene.He was then taken to Portiuncula Hospital, in Ballinasloe, but was pronounced dead on arrival.Speaking about the tragic accident, Principal Bob Keating said it was very sad to be celebrating a life that was taken too soon: 'Kieran started school here in St. Brigid"s in 2000 and he was always a good and pleasant young man, and a bit of a joker as well,' said Mr. Keating.'He was dedicated to school as he used to rise at 7.15 each morning to come from Athlone to school here in Mullingar, and he felt happy and secure here,' he continued.Bob went on to describe how Kieran was good at woodwork and achieved two honours in his Junior Cert, and reached FETAC Level three thereafter. He was a keen Liverpool supporter, and played both soccer and basketball for St. Brigid"s, and also played soccer for Leinster.Kieran also loved the outdoor life and liked to hunt and fish.After graduating from St. Brigid"s last year, Kieran returned regularly to St. Brigid"s to visit friends and staff there.He then went on to work in Apache Pizza in Mullingar, where owner Niall Murray described him as a very gentle person:'He came here first on work experience from St. Brigid"s and immediately all the staff warmed to him,' said owner Niall Murray.'He was always eager to learn and a very chatty and gentle person, and always good craic.'It was a terrible tragedy and all the staff here would like to send their condolences to his family.'The removal of Kieran Cochrane took place on Sunday evening, June 7 to the Church of S.S. Peter & Paul, and the funeral mass took place on Monday, June 8, followed by burial afterward to Coosan Cemetery.Kieran will be sadly missed by is loving parents Alan and Ann-Marie, brother Aaron, sister Cassandra, grandparents John and Phyllis Cocrane and Danny and Bridie Mc Connell, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.