Tributes have been paid to a teenager who died while swimming in Laytown, Co Meath.
The boy has been named locally as 15-year-old Kofi Owusu, who had been living in the Blackrock area of Dundalk, Co Louth.
The popular secondary school student had just completed his Junior Certificate and was described by his school principal as "an excellent sportsman".
His body was recovered from the River Nanny last night.
A group of teenage boys travelled from Dundalk to Laytown yesterday afternoon to enjoy the good weather.
They were playing in the water under the footbridge near Laytown Beach when tragedy struck.
A member of the public raised the alarm shortly before 6.15pm when one of the teenager boys went missing in the River Nanny. A search and rescue operation was launched.
Watch: 'A fine young man' - School principal pays tribute to Kofi Owusu
The Dublin-based Irish Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter was overhead within 25 minutes and the Drogheda Coast Guard Unit was launched.
Shortly after 9.30pm last night, a body was recovered from the water.
Kofi Jackson, as he was sometimes known, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
Gardaí have said that they are aware that videos of this incident have been shared online
They have asked for such footage and imagery not to be circulated further.
Coláiste Chú Chulainn Principal Thomas Sharkey has paid tribute to Kofi.
"We're very heartbroken in Coláiste Chú Chulainn, Kofi Owusu was a fine young man, a very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student," Mr Sharkey said.
He added: "He's an excellent sportsman. He had just played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16.
"He finished his Junior Cert exams only 10 days ago, and his older sister was a past pupil of our school. Kofi and his family are in all of our thoughts."
Mr Sharkey also said that the school will be there to support its students at this difficult time.
"The school community are being supported by the Department of Education and Youth, and the National Education Psychological Service.
"The school will be opening to give an opportunity to students and staff alike to come together and to support each other and to remember Kofi at this very, very sad time."
Watch: Minister Thomas Byrne pays tribute to teenager who died while swimming in Meath
Junior Minister and Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East, Thomas Byrne has said what should have been a regular summer's evening turned into "an incalculable loss".
Mr Byrne said: "It is devastating to hear of the tragic death of a teenage boy in Laytown earlier this evening. My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving.
"A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.
"Thank you to the Coast Guard teams, emergency services, and local volunteers who responded.
"Please respect the family's privacy and Gardai have asked to avoid sharing any images or details online.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis".
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His party colleague and the Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Wayne Harding, said: "A young boy has lost his life tragically off our coast this weekend.
"My thoughts are with his devastated family at this time. I want to thank all those who responded to the tragedy both in a professional and voluntary capacity.
"I ask that we be extremely vigilant to the dangers all our water courses pose during these good weather spells."
Local Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan, who lives in the area, said a dark cloud is hanging over the community.
"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic accident in Laytown.
"Please think long and hard before posting any commentary on any social media pages," Ms Tolan added.
It is the second swimming tragedy this week after a 17-year-old boy died in the River Barrow in Co Carlow.
Peter Byrne, from Carlow town, got into difficulty while swimming on Tuesday evening.
It is understood he was swimming with a friend when he got into difficulty at around 6.30pm in the river in the Milford area, around 8km from Carlow town.
His funeral will be held in Carlow on Monday morning.
