Boy, nine, drowns on beach outing

THE nine-year-old boy who drowned while on a day outing to Tramore on Saturday has been named locally as Darren Dunphy, of Larchfield, Waterford.

The youngster was swimming at Tramore beach when he got into difficulties.

He was discovered by another swimmer lying face down in the water.

Efforts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead on arrival at Waterford General Hospital.

He was taken from the water at around 6pm on Saturday.

It is believed he was on a day trip to the resort beach when the accident happened.

Mayor of Waterford Hilary Quinlan said the drowning had shocked the entire community.

Mayor Quinlan said: “I was at the race meeting in Tramore on Saturday evening when news of the tragedy came through. It is awful that such a young life is taken in such tragic circumstances and on behalf of the people of Waterford I extend our condolences to the bereaved family.”

A post mortem was carried out yesterday and an inquest into the boy’s death will be heard at a later date.