Tributes paid to 'lovely young man' after Lough Ree tragedy

The 15-year-old boy who tragically drowned in Lough Ree yesterday (Saturday) evening has been described as "a polite, respectful and lovely young man".

Martin Greene, of Brawny Close, Athlone, lost his life in an incident that has caused widespread shock and sadness across the midlands and beyond.

Emergency services, including the Irish Coast Guard and Lough Ree RNLI, responded shortly after 7.30pm yesterday to reports that the teenager was in difficulty in the water off Carnakilla Point, at Portlick in Glasson.

Martin was recovered from the water yesterday evening but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 15-year-old was a talented footballer with St Francis FC in Athlone, who said everyone associated with the club was "utterly devastated" by the news.

"Martin joined the club a few years ago and was a brilliant member of last season's under-15 team," said the club in a statement on social media. "Martin was the team captain and a quiet leader who led by example on and off the pitch with his hard work.

"He also knew where the net was and was always one of our top scorers. Martin was highly thought of by both players and coaches, and won the coaches' 'player of the season' this year.

"More importantly Martin was a polite, respectful and a lovely young man," it added.

"The club will do everything we can to support Martin's family and teammates at this very difficult time. Our sincere condolences go to Martin’s heartbroken mother, Yvonne, and all his family.

"In the words of Martin's beloved Liverpool, 'You'll Never Walk Alone'."

Athlone TD and Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said the people of the town had been "numbed and deeply saddened" by the news of the tragedy.

"I know the family extremely well, they were regular users of our taxi business, and I know the young man in question, and his Mam, extremely well.

"Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with his family. He was a well-known and very well-mannered young man, and you'd always have great craic with him in the car. Whatever you'd say to him, he'd always answer in a nice, kind manner.

"I just can't imagine what his family, and in particular his mother and brothers and sisters, are going through at this time. For someone to lose their life at such a young age is just really, really sad."

Martin Greene was predeceased by his beloved father, John, and grandparents Peter, Christopher and Christina. His passing is mourned by his heartbroken mother Yvonne, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandmother, relatives and many friends.

His funeral arrangements will be made at a later stage.

May he rest in peace.