A 21-YEAR-OLD Army private who died in a drowning incident will be buried with full military honours in Limerick today.
Pte Alan Boyce, from Meelick, Co Clare, drowned in the Breagagh river in Kilkenny in the early hours of last Friday after a night out with friends.
This is the second time tragedy has affected the Boyce family, who are originally from Limerick city.
In June 2000, Pte Boyce's older brother, Thomas jnr, who was also an Army private, died in a car crash in Co Tipperary.
The Boyce family has strong Army links. Pte Boyce's father, Company Sgt Tom Boyce, brother Pte Jason Boyce, and uncle Pte Stephen Boyce, are all currently serving.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and the Defence Forces chief of staff, Lieut Gen Dermot Earley, offered the family their "deepest condolences" on behalf of the Government and the Defence Forces.
"The thoughts of all members of the Defence Forces are with the Boyce family at this very difficult time," said an Army spokesman. "Pte Alan Boyce will be buried with full military honours."
Pte Boyce joined the Defence Forces in November 2007 and had successfully completed his military training.
He was serving with the 12th Infantry Battalion at Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
Gardaí are not treating Pte Boyce's death as suspicious.
A postmortem revealed his injuries were consistent with an accident.
Well known in Limerick sporting circles, Pte Boyce previously played premier league soccer for both Carew Park and Ballynanty Rovers in the city.
Former coach Christy Kelly was among those who paid tribute to Pte Boyce yesterday.
"Alan had a fantastic talent. He was lovely young fella who got on fabulously with everyone in the club and he is going to be a terrible loss," Mr Kelly said.
"He loved his sport. We're just speechless and our heart goes out to his family."
Hundreds of mourners attended the young soldier's removal, which took place from Griffin's funeral home in Limerick last night.
Pte Boyce will be buried at Mount St Oliver Cemetery in Limerick following midday mass at St Munchin's Church today.
He is survived by his parents Tom and Delia, brothers Jason and Ross, and sister Ciara.