Teenager dies in tragic drowning incident at Irish music festival as event organisers in ‘deeply saddened’ statement

A TEENAGER has died after a drowning accident at a Co Leitrim music festival.

The long-running Ballinamore Family Festival was plunged into tragedy on Saturday night August after the incident.

The young man is believed to have fallen into the canal while attending the Ballinamore Family Festival.

The incident is understood to be treated as a tragic accident.

As a mark of respect, the planned fireworks display to mark the final day of the Ballinamore Family Festival has been cancelled.

The Ballinmore Festival has run in Co Cavan for over 60 years and normally runs between the August 9 and 16. 

The festival contains free open‑air concerts and is famous for nightly concerts on the main street platform, featuring top Irish acts such as Mike Denver, Derek Ryan, Sean Magee, and Johnny Brady.

In a statement on the tragedy festival organisers said: “The Ballinamore Family Festival committee is deeply saddened by the tragic events in Ballinamore on Saturday night August 15th.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected and with everyone who is hurting at this very difficult time. Thank you for your understanding, compassion and respect at this time’.”

The tragedy is the second drowning in the area in as many days.

James Fanthorpe McHugh lost his life on Tuesday August 11 when he fell into the water at Annalee River in nearby Ballyhaise, Co Cavan.

It is believed Mr McHugh was fishing when he fell in and got into difficulty in the water.

His Requiem Mass took place Saturday, 15 August, in St. Anne’s Church, Bailieborough followed by interment in St. Anne’s Cemetery.