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A Leaving Cert student who drowned off the Co Donegal coast on Monday had just said goodbye to his brothers, who were returning to London following the Christmas break.
The 18-year-old, named locally as Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada pupil Daire Conlon, got into difficulty while swimming with a friend off Arranmore Island at about 2pm. He was taken from the water at Leabgarrow Beach but paramedics were unable to save him.
His older brothers were contacted and returned home after hearing the news. Relatives and friends have been comforting Daire’s parents Claire and Derek, who operates a bed and breakfast near the beach, since the incident.
Fr John Boyce, who gave Daire the last rites, said the tragedy had left the local community "numb".
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“There is very little to say . . . That’s how people feel,” he said.
Adrian Begley, chair of the Arranmore Island Community Council, extended his sympathies to the Conlon family and Daire's friends and neighbours.
“The entire Arranmore Island community both at home and abroad are in shock at the tragic loss of one of its much-loved young people.”
Members of the Arranmore RNLI, which took part in the rescue effort, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his heartbroken family and friends at this sad time. May he rest in peace.”
Daire’s funeral Mass will take place on Friday in St Crone’s Church, Arranmore Island.