Tributes have been paid to ‘caring and charismatic’ fifteen year old Kofi Owusu who died last Friday after getting into difficulty while swimming in Laytown with friends. Kofi, a pupil at Coláiste Chú Chulainn, where he recently completed his Junior Cert.
15 year old Kofi Owusu tragically drowned in Laytown having travelled there on Friday with a group of friends from Dundalk. Having got into difficulty while swimming in the River Nanny. The alarm was raised about 6:15pm and after a multi-agency search and rescue operation his body was recovered around 9:30pm on Friday evening.
Tomás Sharkey, principal of Coláiste Chú Chulainn expressed his heartfelt sympathies to Kofie’s family while remembering a ‘very caring young man with a wide circle of friends’.
“It is with deep sadness that Coláiste Chú Chulainn and Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) have learned on 21st June 2025 of the death of Kofi Owusu, a student of Coláiste Chú Chulainn, Dundalk, Co Louth. This is a terrible tragedy for Kofi’s family and friends, the Coláiste Chú Chulainn community and the local community of Dundalk and the surrounding areas, who are deeply saddened by this event.
“Kofi Owusu completed his Junior Certificate in Coláiste Chú Chulainn in June 2025. 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 19th 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 23rd January 2025. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi’s family and friends at this time.
“The Guidance Counsellors and staff at the school will be helping students to deal with this tragic event. The school will be open to students and parents to support them and to offer them advice and guidance.
“The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) 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. We would ask you to respect our privacy at this time.
Kofi, who lived in Rockfield Court, was a hugely popular figure amongst his friends and teachers and tributes were paid to him by many including staff from Redeemer Boys Primary School which he attended.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned today of the death of our esteemed past pupil, Kofi Jackson Owusu. Graduating with our Class of 2022; Kofi was a valued member of our school community, remembered for his kindness, leadership, and the positive impact he had on those around him.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Kofi’s family, friends, the pupils and staff of Coláiste Chú Chulainn, his Redeemer Celtic teammates and coaches and all who are affected by this devastating loss. We join the wider community in mourning and remembering a life gone far too soon.
“Codladh sámh Kofi,” read the statement.
Kofi was also a talented footballer and was a valued member of Redeemer Celtic FC. His club paid a heartfelt tribute to their ‘big number 6’ who was a massive part of heir club.
“Rest in Peace Kofi. We cannot find words at this time, But will try.
To some clubs are a service. Something for children to get involved in for socialising & fun competition. And we accept that. But those that know & are involved in clubs & do it come to understand every child becomes part of something. And to voluntarily people that give of there time can’t help allowing every child to become – a friend, actually more then that they become family. You wanna see them improve. You bask in the highs with them.
And hurt deeply in the lows for them. You protect them, encourage them, tell them off, Do everything you can to help them grow. Never do you think you will go from seen a baby come to you & one day you are doing the bootlaces for them. To sitting with tears in your eyes. Unable to find words.
Kofi was a fantastically talented lad. A ferocious competitor every time he pulled on the Redeemer kit. And this seen us achieve unthinkable success time after time & year after year. Kofi was a massive part of our club. Kofi was a massive part of our lives. We will strive to keep Kofi’s memory within the club. And with absolutely broken hearts. Rest in peace Kofi. We will miss you forever Big Man. Number 6. Our heartfelt condolences to Kofi’s family & Friends & Teammates,” concluded the statement.
Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú also paid tribute to Kofi Jackson Owusu who he described as a ‘happy charismatic young man’.
He said: “This is the most devastating news for the whole community in Dundalk, that a 15-year-old who had just finished his Junior Cert and was spending a beautiful day with his friends at the beach died.
‘Kofi’s family is known to me, and my office has been in touch this weekend with his mother, Maria and his sisters to offer our condolences and assistance.
“Kofi was a hugely popular young man who had such a promising life ahead of him. He was well known at Coláiste Chú Chulainn where everyone knew him as a happy, charismatic young man who was a talented football and basketball player.
“There has been a huge outpouring of grief and sympathy in Dundalk for him and his family will rely on that in the days ahead to help them get through this terrible time.
“This comes just days after the death of another student, Izzy McCluskey from the Marist, who died at the Castletown River and that tragedy also deeply impacted on Dundalk,” stated Ó Murchú.
A GoFundMe Page has been set up by Redeemer Celtic FC to help his family with the financial burden that has come with the heartbreaking loss of their son and brother. At the time of going to press just over €7,500 had been raised. https://www.gofundme.com/f/kofi-jackson-owusu
