Tragedy struck in Co. Carlow as the body of a 17-year-old boy was recovered from the River Barrow. The incident occurred Tuesday evening when the teenager encountered difficulties while swimming.
Reports indicate the boy was swimming with a friend around 6:30 PM when he experienced trouble in the water. The two had reportedly visited a local gym before deciding to swim in the river.
The friend witnessed the boy struggling and attempted to assist him. However, the strong currents of the river began pulling the friend downwards as well during the rescue attempt.
Ultimately, the friend was able to swim to safety and immediately alerted authorities. Gardaí and emergency personnel from Carlow town promptly arrived at the scene.
The deceased boy was a transition year student at a secondary school in Carlow town.
Emergency services and gardaí remained at the location for several hours conducting a thorough search. The area currently remains cordoned off by gardaí.
According to a Garda statement: “Following a search operation involving gardaí and emergency services, the Garda Water Unit recovered the body of a male, aged in his late teens, from the River Barrow at Milford, Co Carlow, yesterday evening, Tuesday 17th June 2025.”
“His body has been transported to Waterford University Hospital for a postmortem examination, which will be conducted in due course.”
“A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
