A community is in mourning following the death of a seven-year-old boy who got into difficulty while swimming at Lissadell Beach in Co Sligo on Saturday afternoon.
The boy has been named locally as Alan Singh from Ballisodare. Emergency services were alerted shortly before 3:30 p.m. after a member of the public spotted someone struggling in the water. A multi-agency rescue effort was launched immediately.
Alan was pulled from the water and received medical attention onshore before being airlifted by the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 118 helicopter to Sligo University Hospital. Despite best efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and a file is being prepared for the Coroner’s Court.
The news has left the local community in shock. Prayers for Alan and his family were offered during mass in Maugherow, with parish priest Fr Tom Hever expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. “People are devastated by the news,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the family and their wider community at this incredibly difficult time.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Donal Gilroy, who represents the Sligo-Drumcliffe area, echoed the sentiments. “It’s heartbreaking. I know Lissadell Beach well—it’s popular with families, especially in good weather like we’ve had this weekend. No one expects something so tragic to happen in such a joyful setting,” he said.
Beachgoer Suraya McDonagh was present with her children when the incident occurred. She described a sudden change in atmosphere as emergency responders arrived on the scene. “Everyone was just enjoying the day, kids were playing in the water,” she said. “Then we saw the helicopter come in, and someone was performing CPR. It all happened so fast.”
Ms McDonagh added, “It’s just devastating. One moment everything is fine, and the next, a family’s world is shattered. I don’t think anyone here will forget what happened.”
As tributes continue to pour in for the young boy, local officials and residents are urging caution around water, especially during warm weather that draws large crowds to beaches across the region.
