A 14-year-old boy who died after he got in to difficulty while swimming off a boat pontoon in Co Cork has been described by his school principal as having been a talented sportsman with a "beaming smile".
Counselling and psychological support measures are in place at Coláiste Éamann Rís on St Patrick's Road in Cork city following the death of Jack O’Sullivan from nearby Deerpark.
Jack was due to go into second year at the school.
Principal Aaron Wolfe said in a statement online that they were "deeply saddened" by the passing of the youngster.
"This is a terrible tragedy for Jack’s family, our school and our community," Mr Wolfe said.
"Our sympathy and thoughts are with Jack's family and friends.
"Jack was a charming, charismatic young man, with a beaming smile, who represented the school in all sporting areas.
"Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been with us today supporting and advising teachers in their efforts to assist our students at this time.
"The teachers have (also) been helping students to deal with this tragic event."
Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination will be carried out on the deceased at Cork University Hospital.
The death is being treated as a tragic accident.
A multi-agency search operation was launched in Passage West yesterday afternoon after Jack disappeared under the water while swimming with friends.
His body was recovered at around 4pm.
Minister for Finance and Cork South Central TD Michael McGrath said the loss of the youngster was "devastating news" for his loved ones, friends and the wider community.
"My heart goes out to the family and friends of young Jack on his tragic loss," Mr McGrath said.
"I'd like to thank all those in the emergency services who responded so quickly and did all they could to rescue Jack, and ultimately returned his body to his family.
"Yesterday’s events are another painful reminder of how precious and fragile life is."
Councillor Mick Finn knew Jack through his involvement with St Finbarr's GAA club.
The former Lord Mayor of the city told Cork's Red FM that the teenager had a magnetic personality and a bright future ahead of him.
"He was very talented at sport and everything else he did," Cllr Finn said. "He was such leadership material and people flocked around him.
"He was very popular among his young friends and even young people two and three years ahead of him have been absolutely devastated and shocked by what has happened."
St Finbarr's said in a statement this evening that it would be postponing all activities until further notice as a mark of respect to Jack and his family.
"This has brought great sorrow and grief across the community. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the O'Sullivan family, extended family and friends.
"As a mark of respect our Club activities will be postponed, where possible, until further notice."
The search for Jack was carried out by the Coast Guard’s Waterford-based helicopter Rescue 117, Crosshaven Coast Guard unit, Crosshaven RNLI, gardaí, paramedics, local firefighters, and defence force members from the nearby navy base.
It was coordinated by the Valentia Coast Guard centre.
