A community mourning the tragic death of a teenager who died after a night out with friends has rallied to support his grieving family and friends.
Finley Gannon drowned after he tripped and fell into the water on Friday night. His body was recovered from Balbriggan Harbour on Saturday.
The popular 19-year-old was a former student of Skerries Community College and a keen footballer and his death has sent shockwaves through the community.
His distraught pal Conor Fitzgerald set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs, which raised more than €15,000 from 733 donations in less than 48 hours.
Conor said: “The passing of Finley was unexpected and devastating. I can only imagine how this has affected his parents and family.
“Like the rest of us, I’m finding it difficult to believe it even happened, but I know it would be a dis-service to a person like Finley to just pay tribute and move on.
‘Beloved friend’
“Finley Gannon was a popular and beloved friend, student, and colleague, and he genuinely touched a lot of lives; especially mine.”
Finley played football for Skerries Town FC and Rush Athletic and was widely remembered as a “smiley person” always ready with a kind word or a joke.
In a statement, his local club 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 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.”
Tributes flooded social media where friends wondered if Finley was now reunited with his Skerries Town team mate and fellow football fanatic Oran Tully, who died last August aged 19.
One wrote: “Wherever they are, I can only imagine the banter between Finley and Oran as United take on Chelsea tomorrow night. RIP Finley.”
Finley is survived by his parents, Paddy and Cathy, brothers Shaun and Jack, sister Amy, granny Margaret, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
