Tributes have been paid to a woman who died yesterday after trying to rescue her young son when he got into difficulty swimming off Ballycroneen beach in east Cork.
Joanna Wisniowśka, who was originally from Strzyzow in Poland, got into difficulties when she went into the sea to help her ten-year-old son shortly before 1pm yesterday.
Emergency services were alerted and the Rescue 117 helicopter, Ballycotton lifeboat, Crosshaven lifeboat, Guileen Coast Guard and Ballycotton Coast Guard were called to the scene.
Ms Wisniowśka was airlifted to Cork University Hospital in a critical condition, but was pronounced dead yesterday evening.
Her son, who was rescued from the rocks, had non-life threatening injuries.
Ms Wisniowśka, her partner and two children, lived in Cloyne for several years
Cork East Sinn Féin TD Pat Buckley described the family as being "deeply rooted in the community."
He said Ballycroneen is a beautiful beach but there can be riptides there.
East Ferry Rowing Club paid tribute Ms Wisniowśka, saying members were shocked and saddened by her death.
Ms Wisniowśka's partner and son are both rowers with the club.
