Tributes paid to teen drowning victim who tried to save swimmer
A 13-year-old boy who died following a swimming accident in Blanchardstown in Dublin yesterday evening has been praised for his bravery after he went to the aid of a swimmer.
Ricky Osagie and a teenage girl went to help of another girl who was struggling in a man-made lake near the Waterville Hall residential complex, when all three got into difficulty.
They were rushed to Temple Street Children's Hospital where Ricky lost his fight for life this morning.
The two girls are said to be in a stable condition.
The school where Ricky was a first year pupil, St. Declan's College in Cabra, will offer counselling support to students, and will hold a prayer service.
"A Critical Incident Response Plan has been put in place," the school said in a statement.
"Procedures are in place to ensure that all in the school community affected by this loss will be given help to cope with this tragedy.
"On our return to school, counselling support will be available to students and a prayer service will take place."
Tributes have been pouring in for Ricky, who played soccer with Corduff FC in west Dublin.
"In the club we have great players and great characters," said club spokesman John McGuinness.
"Ricky was one of those - a great player and a great character on and off the pitch.
"He had a great personality - he was very colourful, and very well-liked.
"He was that kind of character - you couldn't help but like him."
In a statement on its Facebook page Corduff FC it would open books of condolences tomorrow from 11am to 12:30pm in Corduff sports centre, for people wanting to pay their respects to Ricky and his family.
A number of Facebook pages were set up to pay tribute to the youngster, while many of Ricky's friends and acquaintances also took to Twitter to express their condolences.
RIP Ricky Osagie. One of the nicest and most talented kids Ive ever had the pleasure to coach.
— Neale Fenn (@nealefenn) June 21, 2014
