Tributes hail bravery of schoolboy Ricky Osagie (13)

Tributes have praised the bravery of 13-year-old Ricky Osagie, who died yesterday after a swimming incident in a pond near a residential complex in west Dublin.

The incident happened at about 6.15pm on Friday at Waterville Hall, near James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown. It is understood Ricky was trying to save two teenage girls who got into difficulties in the water.

All three children were taken to Temple Street Children’s Hospital after the incident. Ricky died yesterday, while the girls are said to be in a stable condition.

Ricky’s school, St Declan’s College in Cabra, released a statement on its website saying they have implemented a critical incident response plan and would offer counselling to students to help them cope with the tragedy.

“It is with profound sadness that the management, staff, students and parents of St Declan’s College have learned of the tragic death of Ricky Osagie, a first year student. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Ricky.”

Ricky played football with Corduff Football Club and had been chosen for the FAI Emerging Talent Programme.

The club posted a message on its Facebook saying all at the club were saddened at the death of the young footballer.

“We all know each other in the club, however everyone knew Ricky on and off the pitch - be it his fancy hair styles, his shimmy dance after scoring goals or just his all round cheerful, confident personality. He was a seriously gifted footballer.

“Our condolences to Ricky’s family, relatives, friends and to his team mates and manager and coach here in Corduff FC.”

Labour Party deputy leader Joan Burton expressed her condolences to Ricky and his family yesterday.

“My condolences to the family and friends of 13-year-old Ricky Oasagie, who died following a brave attempt to save two girls from drowning in Blanchardstown yesterday. My thoughts are with his loved ones,” she said.