World
Donegal: Tributes paid to two teenagers who died after getting into difficulty off the coast
Tributes have been paid to two teenage boys who died after getting into difficulty off the coast of Donegal.
Matt Sibanda, 18, and Emmanuel Familola, 16, were understood to be playing football on Saturday when they went into the sea after a ball.
Emergency services launched a multi-agency rescue operation at around 4pm after receiving reports that three young men had gotten into difficulty in the water off Buncrana.
Two male juveniles – one of whom was in a serious condition – were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, where one died in the early hours of Sunday.
The body of another teenager was also recovered late on Saturday.
Scoil Mhuire Buncrana, where Familola studied, said “our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families of Emmanuel”, adding: “There are no words that can fully capture the pain and sorrow we are feeling right now, We are truly heartbroken.
“Emmanuel embodied the true ethos of Scoil Mhuire. He was known for his warm personality, gentle humour, and thoughtful nature.
“He immersed himself fully in our school community and was highly regarded by staff and students alike.”
Neighbouring Crana College, where Sibanda was a student, added: “It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the loss of our beloved student, Matt Sibanda, who tragically lost his life at sea.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to Matt’s family, who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their cherished son and loved one.”
Members of the Buncrana community also attended a prayer vigil at St Mary’s Oratory on Sunday evening to pay their respects to the two students.
The congregation was told: “Yesterday, this time 24 hours ago, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the sea was attractive, everything was wonderful.
“Today, a dark cloud has come over everybody in different ways, but especially the families of Emmanuel and Matt.”
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Sinn Fein councillor Jack Murray also told local broadcaster RTE that his understanding was they were playing football when the ball went into the water.
“They went in like any kid would do, it’s what I would have done myself, they went in after the ball,” he said.
“The innocence of kids playing football and this is the outcome of it, there’s no words to describe how awful this incident is.”