A TEENAGE boy who drowned while swimming with pals was remembered as someone who “brought joy and smiles” to everyone as he was laid to rest today.
Talented footballer Kofi Owusu, 15, was enjoying the hot weather with pals in Co Meath last Friday when tragedy struck.
His body was recovered from the River Nanny on Friday night — three hours after the alarm was raised.
It is understood that he had jumped into the river with a number of other children from the footbridge in Laytown when he got into difficulty in the river.
Kofi, who also went by the surname of Jackson, was from the Blackrock area of Dundalk and had travelled from the northeast town to Laytown with his pals to enjoy the sunshine.
Mourners described the young man as caring, kind, respectful, talented, well mannered and a “credit to his family” in heartbreaking tributes this week.
He is deeply missed by his heartbroken parents Tony and Maria, sisters Faith and Esther, the extended family and his friends.
The teenager was laid to rest today following an emotional service at The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Dundalk where the young man was remembered as someone who loved his family, friends, school, football, basketball and the congregation at his church.
Kofi had just finished completing his Junior Certificate in Colaiste Chu Chulainn earlier this month.
And in a heartbreaking tribute as symbols of Kofi’s life and achievements were brought forward in his memory, school Principal Tomas Sharkey told how he “loved school and the school loved Kofi”.
Addressing a school report that had been written about Kofi just as he was about to start secondary school, Mr Sharkey said it read: “Kofi is a central figure within our class and displays strong leadership skills
“His positive attitude to school and learning has been very beneficial for all of his peers. Kofi’s a very capable young man. And I’m confident that he has the skills to thrive in your secondary school.’”
Mr Sharkey told how Kofi was due to go to Madrid in Spain as part of a school trip taking place in October.
He said: “Kofi was going to learn the language, the culture, the history, and have the craic with the lads and teach them how to play football. He was going there for the sunny weather.”
Telling how Kofi “always followed the sun”, Mr Sharkey told how sunflowers were being taken up to the altar in his memory.
The principal said: “Kofi always followed the sun. Where Kofi went, the smiles followed.
“He brought joy and smiles to every student, every day at school. Because Kofi came to school every day.
“Two years ago, the Minister for Health, Minister Jennifer Carl MacNeill, who’s with us today, gave Kofi an award for being one of school’s best attenders.
“He came to school every day because he had discipline and Maria made him.”
‘CENTRAL TO OUR SCHOOL’
Mr Sharkey told of Kofi’s love of sports as his number six basketball jersey and a Football Association of Ireland medal was presented to celebrate his achievements.
The principal said: “Kofi was central to all of our school’s successes in the sports.
“And Kofi always had great faith. He spoke about this church at school.
“He told us about his community here at church. Kofi knew Jesus. When Jesus was a young boy, he helped Joseph in the carpentry workshop. And Kofi loved woodwork.
“He loved his carpentry. And we’re passing up Kofi’s junior cert woodwork project. It’s a beautiful piece with two pieces of different timber, perfect dovetail joints, finely sanded joints, varnished to perfection. Kofi’s woodwork piece has an extra element, a mirror.”
‘FABULOUS BOY’
Speaking at the packed service this afternoon, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill told how she had previously met Kofi when she presented him with an award for his “extraordinary” attendance and commitment to his school.
She said: “My heart goes out to all of his school friends, his whole school community, the teachers who loved him, his principal Tomás who loved him, and this whole community who loved this very, very fabulous boy.
“To his family, Tony, Maria, Esther, Faith all of you, I’m just so sorry for your loss. I really am truly sorry for your loss.
“I thought he was the most beautiful boy. We spoke together about the value of just turning up and showing up every day, which is the way that he lived, his commitment to his life, to his school, to his football, to his basketball, to his friends, and to your good selves.
“It’s wonderful to see how this whole community in this room and many, many, many people outside have turned up for you today to show their love for your son and to show their love for you.
“My heart is with you in the next such difficult days. Thank you for allowing me to be here.”
The Redeemer Celtic Football Club in Dundalk, which Kofi was a member of, set up a GoFundMe to raise funds to cover his funeral after his passing last week.
The online fundraiser has surpassed its goal ahead of Kofi’s funeral service this afternoon.
