Mass for drowned boys in Áras an Uachtaráin

President Mary McAleese is holding a mass in Áras an Uachtaráin for the two young boys who drowned in a private swimming pool in the North on Friday.

A joint funeral for four-year-old Shea Laverty and two-year-old David Smith will be held tomorrow in Newry.

The President expressed her profound shock and said she feels intensely sad for the families of the two boys.

Newry Parish Priest Fr Richard Neachtain said he hopes the two families will be able to gain strength and support from each other, and that they have been joined together in grief by the shared tragedy.