Kerry man and US national who died in Dublin drowning named locally

Gardaí were called to the scene when two men were found dead in the water shortly after 8am on Saturday. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Two men who died in a tragic drowning on the Grand Canal in Dublin on Saturday have been named locally.

Donal Scanlon, from Ballybunion, Co Kerry, had been sleeping in a tent near the canal where the drowning happened.

Gardaí were called to the scene when two men were found dead in the water shortly after 8am on Saturday.

The area was sealed off and gardaí and forensics remained along the canal for most of the afternoon.

It is understood Mr Scanlon was aged in his late 40s and that he jumped in to help a friend who got into difficulty in the water.

Alex Warnick a US national who was also homeless, had been shouting for help after he fell in.

Tragically both men drowned during the incident and are expected to be laid to rest later in the week.

The men had been living in Dublin for several years and were known to the homeless services.