The parents of a 15 year old girl, Abbie Carmody-Pepper, who died while swimming at a beach in Co Dublin over the weekend, have thanked the community for their support.
Abbie Carmody-Pepper went missing after entering the water at Burrow Beach, where she had been visiting with friends. Her body was later recovered from the water following a search operation, which involved Gardaí, the Irish Coast Guard and RNLI from Howth.
Speaking about this, Independent Councillor for Ballymun, Gavin Pepper, a relative of Abbey's family, has expressed his sympathies to the young girl's parents at this difficult time.
"I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Abbie Pepper in a tragic accident in Sutton yesterday. It was even more heartbreaking to find out we are related", Mr Pepper said. "I visited the family... and on behalf of my cousin Wayne and his partner Mandy, they wish to thank everyone for their love and support at this difficult time".
"They now wish for privacy to grieve their daughter in peace", he added.
Elsewhere, Fianna Fáil Councillor, Cathal Haughey has extended his sympathies to Abbie's family, while also offering words of warning to people travelling to beaches amid the recent heatwave.
"Lots of people travel here by DART. There could be thousands, and that was the case this weekend when this tragedy happened," Mr Haughey said. "We’ve been enjoying the good weather all over the country, and it’s a reminder of how quickly things can turn when you’re in the water.
"The whole community is very saddened and shocked, and we’d like to extend our sympathy".
