Teen who died in swimming tragedy 'brought joy and smiles' to everyone, his funeral hears

Louth teenager Kofi Jackson Owusu was remembered as “a great young man” who brought “joy and smiles” to everyone as he was laid to rest.

Talented sportsman Kofi, 15, tragically drowned while swimming with friends in Laytown, Co Meath last Friday, June 20 with his funeral taking place the following Friday, June 27.  

A large congregation of mourners gathered at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Miracle Land in Dundalk for the funeral service for the teenager from Blackrock Co Louth, who was remembered as “a beautiful boy” who loved his family, friends, team-mates and church congregation.

Kofi had just finished his Junior Certificate at Coláiste Chú Chulainn and had been planning a school trip to Madrid in the coming months.

His school pals presented symbols of Kofi's life and achievements at his funeral service; placing them on the altar as school principal Thomas Sharkey told the congregation: “Kofi loved school and school loved Kofi, every one of us.”

Kofi's education passport from the Redeemer Boy's National School was brought to the altar with Mr Sharkey saying that written in it was “Kofi is a central figure within our class and displays strong leadership skills.

“His positive attitude to school and learning has been very beneficial for all of his peers.

“Kofi is a very capable young man.”

Sunflowers were also taken up to the altar, with Mr Sharkey saying “when the sunflowers grow in our garden they always follow the sun, Kofi always followed the sun.

“Where Kofi went the smiles followed. He brought joy and smiles to every student every day at school.”

He told how Kofi had received an award from Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill for being one of the school's best attenders as he “came to school every day”.

Mr Sharkey said that Kofi was central to all the school's sports successes.

The teenager's number six basketball jersey and a Football Association of Ireland medal were also placed on the altar to celebrate his achievements.

Mr Sharkey continued: "Kofi always had great faith. He spoke about this church at school.

"He told us about his community here at church. Kofi knew Jesus. When Jesus was a young boy, he helped Joseph in the carpentry workshop. And Kofi loved woodwork.

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"He loved his carpentry. And we're passing up Kofi's junior cert woodwork project.”

Kofi's classmates sang an emotional song in memory of their friend and his Redeemer Celtic team-mates gathered at the altar to give a gift symbolising his life.

The Church Pastor remembered Kofi as “good in his education” and “well mannered” and said that he brought light to people's lives.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill, addressing the large crowd of gathered mourners, told how she had the “privilege” to meet Kofi and play basketball with him when she presented him with an award for his “extraordinary” school attendance.

"My heart goes out to all of his school friends, his whole school community, the teachers who loved him, his principal Thomas who loved him, and this whole community who loved this very, very fabulous boy”, she said.

"To his family, Tony, Maria, Esther, Faith, all of you, I'm just so sorry for your loss. I really am truly sorry for your loss.

"I thought he was the most beautiful boy. He stayed with me, we spoke together about the value of just turning up and showing up every day, which is the way that he lived his commitment to his life, to his school, to his football, to his basketball, to his friends, and to your good selves.

“I am so sorry for your loss.

"And it's wonderful to see how this whole community in this room and many, many, many people outside have turned up for you today to show their love for your son and to show their love for you.”

TD Ruairí O Murchú, paying tribute to the teenager, said: “Kofi has impacted on a huge amount of lives and that is the reason why there is a huge crowd here and out there.

“None of us know how long we are going to be here, but I would wish for all of us a life as full and true as Kofi's.”

Speaking to Kofi's family he said: “My condolences are with you and you should be very, very proud of Kofi Owusu, he was really, really, truly a great young man. And we all hope we can live a life as true as his.”

Louth TD Paula Butterly said: “Kofi in a few, very short years has lived a full life; much fuller than many people will ever do.”

The Mayor of Laytown said: “On behalf of the people of Laytown and Bettystown, we are so very , very sorry for your loss. We feel it every day.”

Coláiste Chú Chulainn students and members of the Redeemer Celtic Club formed a guard of honour as the hearse carrying Kofi's coffin took him from Quinn's funeral home to his final resting place at Dowdallshill Cemetery.