Mayo community numbed by Lough Mask tragedy which claimed life of boy

The Mayo community of Tourmakeady is in mourning today following the death of a five-year-old boy in a drowning accident at Lough Mask.

His body was recovered in the lake earlier today following an extensive search which began around 6.30 p.m. yesterday and continued until darkness fell last night before resumed at first light this morning.

It is understood the boy fell from a dinghy that may have drifted from the shoreline yesterday evening. 

The tragedy has cast a dark shadow of sorrow and loss across the region.

Local TD Alan Dillon has expressed his sympathy to the heartbroken family of the five-year-old boy who lost his life in such tragic circumstances.

He said: “The tragedy has rocked the local community and a sense of numbness has swept across Tourmakeady. 

"The family are well known in the area and involved in many aspects of community life such as farming and the GAA.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time, the shock and enormous grief this has brought to them and the entire community is palpable."

Deputy Dillon paid special tribute to the Corrib Mask Search and Rescue Unit, Grannie Uaile Sub Aqua team, Irish Coastguard, An Gardai Siochana and all the volunteers who supported the rescues efforts since the alarm was raised.