Three teens dead after car enters water at pier in Galway

John Keenan (left) and Christopher Stokes were named locally as two of those who lost their lives in the incident. Pictures: Olympic Boxing Club Galway/Facebook

Three teenage boys have died after a car entered the water at Menlo Pier in Galway.

Gardaí are investigating after receiving the call at around 2.40am on Saturday morning. 

The three boys were removed from the water and taken to University Hospital Galway (UHG) where two passed away. 

The third was in hospital in critical condition but passed away later.

The three young men have been named locally as 16-year-old John Keenan, 17-year-old Wojcieck Panek and 19-year-old Christopher Stokes.

Galway Amateur Boxing Association said it was “shaken by the tragic passing” of John and Christopher.

Both young men were well-loved members of Olympic BC and were honoured with a moment’s silence at this morning’s Connacht Championship. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, coaches and clubmates.” 

The Olympic Boxing Club Galway, of which John was a member since he was 10 years old, said it was “with deep pain, heartbreak and sorrow” that they learned of his “untimely and tragic” death.

“John had always had a big smile on his face and would go out of his way to do anything for anyone, he never let anything get him down,” it said.

“Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences goes out to John’s brother Martin, his mother Elizabeth and his brothers and sisters.”

Galway city councillor Frank Fahy, whose family have lived in the village of Menlo for generations, said the incident was a “horrible tragedy”.

“I was born and reared in the village, we’ve never had an incident like that before,” he said.

Menlo Pier was closed to the public by gardaí to allow for a technical and forensic examination. It has since reopened.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact Galway garda station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

 - Additional reporting from Press Association