AN emotional plea has been issued by the football club of a “hugely popular” teenage boy who drowned while swimming on one of Ireland’s hottest days of the year.
Talented footballer Kofi Owusu, 15, was enjoying the hot weather with pals in Co Meath on Friday when tragedy struck.
His body was recovered from the River Nanny in Laytown on Friday night — three hours after the alarm was raised.
Kofi, who also went by the surname of Jackson, became the second teenager to lose his life in the water this week.
He was from the Blackrock area of Dundalk and had travelled from the northeast town to Laytown with his pals.
Kofi’s football club Redeemer Celtic yesterday told how the untimely passing of their talented player has “left so many heartbroken” and “shook a community, town and further to its core”.
The club launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise funds that will “go directly” to support Kofi’s family with the unexpected funeral costs.
Paying tribute to their player, Redeemer Celtic said: “A child of fantastic talent. Hugely popular with a wide circle of friends.
“A child whose characteristics show he was raised as a highly respectful youngster. He was a credit to his loving family.
“A family that have been devastated by a tragedy, and sadly we have no words to ease their suffering at this horrendous time.
“This [appeal] can only help with support of the financial burden that also comes sadly at a heartbreaking times to so many.
“May God Rest your gentle soul Kofi, and gift strength to your family & loved ones at this time. Rest in peace Kofi.”
The Kofi Jackson Owusu GoFundMe has so far raised just over €7,000 out of its €7,500 goal, just hours after being set up.
In an emotional post by the football club last week, they lay two No 6 jerseys and flowers on their pitch in Kofi’s memory.
The club said: “We are Heartbroken. Closed until further notice.”
‘DILLIGENT STUDENT’
Kofi Owusu had just finished completing his Junior Certificate in Colaiste Chu Chulainn earlier this month.
In a statement, the school described his loss as a “terrible tragedy” for his family, friends, the school community and the local and surrounding areas.
A spokesperson said: “Kofi was a very caring young man with a wide circle of friends.
“He was a diligent student and a regular awardee for excellent attendance.
“Kofi was also an accomplished sportsman. He was a member of the school’s under 15 soccer team and represented the school in the recent Leinster Shield final on the 19 of May 2025.
“Kofi was also a member of the school’s under 16 basketball team and represented the school in the All-Ireland final on the 23 of January 2025.
“Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi’s family and friends at this time.”
SECOND TRAGEDY
The school confirmed that Guidance Counsellors and staff at the school will be helping students to deal with this tragic event.
The spokesperson added: “The school will be open to students and parents to support them and to offer them advice and guidance.
“The National Educational Psychological Service of the Department of Education and Youth have been in contact with the school and will be supporting and advising staff in their efforts to assist our students.”
Kofi’s funeral details are expected to be confirmed at a later time.
Gardai said they were aware of videos of this incident in circulation but urged people not to share them.
It marked the second such tragedy in a week after 17-year-old Peter Byrne died in the River Burrow on Tuesday.
Heartbroken pals of the teenage boy told he 17-year-old “would always stay smiling” in a poignant tribute at his funeral yesterday morning.
