HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a teenager who drowned in a tragic accident in Co. Dublin over the weekend.
Finley Gannon, 19, from Skerries, was walking with friends in the early hours of Saturday morning when he tripped and fell into the sea.
His body was recovered at 1.40pm on Saturday afternoon from Balbriggan Harbour, some 32km (20 miles) north of Dublin city centre.
The popular young man was a former student of Skerries Community College and a keen sportsman who played football for Skerries Town FC and Rush Athletic FC.
In a statement following the sad news, Skerries Town said: "All at Skerries Town Football Club are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic death of Skerries local boy and former player Finley Gannon.
"Finley had 2 spells with Skerries Town, in between which he spent a few years playing for our neighbours Rush Athletic FC.
"Finley was an enthusiastic footballer with a sweet left foot and as full back or winger he always gave the opposition a tough time. He had a few tricks up his sleeve and scored a few crackers in the green and white of Skerries Town. The fiery redhead always had a smile when talking football and gave his all when the white line was crossed.
"Skerries Town FC would like to extend our sympathies with Finley’s parents Paddy and Cathy and his brother and sister Jack and Amy."
Rush Athletic also shared their sympathies with Mr Gannon's family, adding: "On behalf of the committee, managers and all members, Rush Athletic FC would like to offer their condolences to the family of Finley Gannon, a former schoolboy of ours, on his tragic passing over the weekend.
"A minute’s silence will be respected at all games today. May he RIP."
Social media was full of tributes to Finley from friends, family and people in the local community.
One cousin wrote: "Fly high with the angels our cousin Finley Gannon.. taken far too soon..our hearts are broken xx".
Another family member said: "You were to good for this world Finley. Please give your family the strength to get through this, you will be missed so much. Rest In Peace cuz".
A work colleague added: "Absolutely heartbreaking news. Such a funny a bubbly guy.. It was a pleasure to know you and to have worked with you! RIP".
In a statement on Saturday, a Garda spokesman said: "The body of a male in his late teens was recovered from the water at Balbriggan Harbour at 1.40pm.
"Pronounced dead at the scene and taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown where a post-mortem will be carried out."
The death is not being treated as suspicious.
