Tributes have been pouring in for Ennis teens Jack Kenneally and Shay Maloney ahead of their funerals.
The teenagers tragically died in a drowning incident in Co. Clare. The pair were swimming in an abandoned quarry with their friends when Jack got into difficulty.
It is understood that 15-year-old Shay Maloney attempted to rescue his friend, with a senior Garda calling him a hero for his efforts.
Teenagers Jack Kenneally & Shay Maloney have been described as the “heartbeat of their U-15 team by Club President Richard Murphy #ennis #clare pic.twitter.com/rSMr03elL2
— Paul Quinn (@pdquinn7) June 1, 2018
The two boys were part of the Ennis Rugby Club. They shared a moving tribute following their unfortunate passing.
“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.”
They continued: “Our joy when they lit it up off the field. Our devilment when it all got too serious. Our gentlemen always. Our terrible loss.”
Jack and Shay
— Ennis Rugby Club (@EnnisRugby) June 1, 2018
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
Brian O’Donoghue, who is the principal of Ennis Community School penned a heart-wrenching post on Facebook following the loss of their student Jack.
“We are deeply saddened by his death. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Jack’s family and friends. May he rest in peace,” he wrote.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone in Irish Rugby are with the family and friends of Jack and Shay and everyone in Ennis Rugby Club and the wider community.
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 1, 2018
Friends forever, may they Rest In Peace. https://t.co/CRwthfs8Cv
“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 principal added.
15-year-old Jack Kenneally will be laid to rest at Drumcliffe Cemetery this morning.
Shay Moloney’s funeral will take place on Monday, June 4 at Ennis Cathedral.