Cork drowning victim named

The courageous young girl who drowned while saving her younger sister at Inchydoney Strand near Clonakilty has been named as Nicole O’Brien Kelly.

She was a first-year student at Abbey Community College in Ferrybank, Co Kilkenny, and lived in neighbouring Glenmore.

The 13-year-old died on Saturday after rushing to rescue her 11-year-old sister, who had got into difficulty and was calling for help.

Yesterday, Nicole’s classmates gathered for a service of remembrance in the school she joined last September.

Deputy principal Eugene Power offered his deepest sympathies to Nicole’s family.

“Nicole was a quiet student when she came to Abbey Community College, but settled in very well and was enjoying her first year at the school.

“She was remembered by her teachers yesterday for her friendliness, good sense of fun and for being very supportive of her classmates,” said Mr Power.

“It is a tragic accident and we’re all in deep shock,” he added.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo newspaper.