Tributes paid to Ennis teenagers who died in tragic double drowning

So very sad.

Tributes have been paid to teenagers Shay Moloney and Jack Kenneally who died in a tragic swimming accident yesterday. The 15-year-old boys were swimming with their friends at a quarry in Knockanean on the Tulla Road, located on the outskirts of Ennis town but they got into difficulty and went underwater. Emergency services were quickly on the scene but according to RTÉ, it took 40 minutes to locate the boys and bring them to shore. Shay was a third-year student at St Flannan's College, due to start his Junior Cert next week. A statement from the college, which you can see here, expressed sadness at the terrible tragedy.

"We learned late yesterday of the death of Shay Moloney & Jack Kenneally. This is a terrible tragedy for both families and friends, our schools and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events. Our thoughts are with both Shay’s & Jack’s families and friends. Shay was a third year student in St. Flannan’s College while Jack was a second year student in Ennis Community College and both will be greatly missed by all who knew them".

Jack was in second year at Ennis Community College and they too released a statement via their website and you can read it here in full.

"We learned yesterday evening (31^st May 2018) of the death of Jack Kenneally, a second year student at our school.  We are deeply saddened by his death.  Our sympathy and thoughts are with Jack’s family and friends. May he rest in peace. This is a terrible tragedy for the Kenneally family, our school and our community. 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".

The boys both played on the Ennis Rugby team and this morning, a heartfelt tribute was shared from the club's official Twitter account.

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