Hotel to 'review policies' as tragic Ronan (3) dies after being found in pool

Ronan Kennedy (3), from Templederry, Co Tipperary, died yesterday evening after he was transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin.

The child had been playing in the pool which is located at the Quality Hotel in Redbarn, near Youghal, Co Cork, when the tragedy occurred.

It remains unclear how the tragedy happened.

It is understood a children's event was taking place at the time of the incident, at around 2pm on Monday.

Ronan, who was due to celebrate his fourth birthday in September, became separated and then got into difficulty.

He was spotted floating face down in the water by other swimmers and was dragged out by lifeguards and his distraught family.

Two lifeguards then performed CPR at the scene in an effort to revive him.

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A local doctor arrived and the Irish Coast Guard's Waterford-based Sikorsky helicopter was alerted.

Ronan was transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH) and then on to Dublin.

However, he died in Temple Street and yesterday.

The Quality Hotel issued a statement in which it said it was "deeply saddened to learn" that he had passed away.

"At approximately 2pm on Monday, there was an incident involving a child at the Quality Hotel Youghal swimming pool," said a spokeswoman.

"A young boy was taken from the hotel pool and two hotel lifeguards conducted CPR on-site.

"The child was then airlifted to Cork University Hospital and later to Temple Street Hospital.

"We are deeply saddened to learn that he has since passed away. The hotel management and staff are very shocked and upset by this event and their thoughts are with the little boy's family."

The spokeswoman added that "all relevant authorities" have been notified and a full investigation is currently under way.

She added that she could not say if the child had been with his parents, John and Bridget, at the time of the accident or if he was there with a children's club, because of the ongoing investigations.

The hotel's website advertises a "fully supervised Kids Camp" including swimming and other activities.

The hotel also said it was offering a counselling service for affected members of staff.

A special prayer service will be held in the hotel today at 11am.

Ronan's family, from the Templederry and Borrisoleigh areas of Tipperary, were being comforted by relatives and friends yesterday.

Local councillor Willie Kennedy welcomed the decision by the hotel to review its procedures and policies.

"It is definitely a good thing that the investigation will look at all the circumstances of this awful tragedy," he said. "For the family's sake it is important they find out how and what happened and to make sure this doesn't happen to another family."

Gardai investigating the incident are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses who were at the pool at the time. However, they are treating it as a tragic accident.

supporters

The couple, who have two other children, both come from farming backgrounds and are said to be very involved in the local community.

They are supporters of the local Templederry Kenyons GAA club.

The club called off an under-16 game on Monday night and another under-14 game was also due to be postponed.

A spokesperson for the club said the Kennedy family are very popular in the community.

"We just want to extend all our sympathies and condolen- ces to the family and we will do anything we can to help them at this very tragic time," they said.

The family were on a brief holiday in Youghal, which ranks as one of the country's most popular seaside destinations, at the time of the tragedy.