Taoiseach Enda Kenny has led tributes to the young garda and a woman who lost their lives during the flash floods that wreaked havoc across the east of Ireland.

GAA and Garda chiefs heaped praise yesterday on a courageous young garda who died after he placed the safety of others over his own.

Search and rescue teams involved in the search for a garda swept away by floodwaters in the Wicklow Mountains last night have found a body, gardaí have confirmed.