A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her 15-year-old son after he died following an incident while swimming in a lake.
Martin Greene was recovered from the water following a major search operation at Lough Ree, near Glasson, Co Westmeath, Ireland.
Emergency services were called shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday (July 11) after reports of a person in difficulty in the water.
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Gardai (Irish police) said the teenager was recovered from the lake a short time later but was pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by Need To Know.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and emergency services responded after receiving reports of a person in difficulty on the water at Lough Ree off Carnakilla Point, Glasson, Co. Westmeath shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday 11th July 2026.
“Following a search operation a male juvenile (15) was recovered from the water a short time later. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“The deceased was removed to the mortuary at Mullingar Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Martin’s heartbroken mum, Yvonne, has since shared a series of emotional tributes on social media.
In one post she wrote: “My poor baby i love you my heart is broke son.”
She later added: “My son my pride and joy my heart is broke over you my baby boy Martin Greene i love you so much my life will never be the same forever.
“15 my blue eye boy.”
A death notice said he had been predeceased by his father, John, and grandparents Peter, Christopher and Christina.
It added that he would be “sadly missed” by his “heartbroken mother Yvonne, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandmother, relatives and many friends”.
Tributes have also poured in from the teenager’s football and GAA clubs.
St Francis FC Athlone said everyone at the club was “utterly devastated” by Martin’s death.
The club said: “Martin joined the club a few years ago and has been a brilliant member of last season’s U15 team.
“Martin was the team captain and a quiet leader who led by example on and off the pitch with his hard work.
“He also knew where the net was and was always one of our top scorers.
“Martin was highly thought of by both players and coaches and won the coaches’ player of the season this year.
“More importantly Martin was a polite, respectful and a lovely young man.”
The club added: “The club will do everything it can to support Martin’s family and teammates at this very difficult time.
“Our sincere condolences go to Martin’s heartbroken mother Yvonne and all his family.
“In the words of Martin’s beloved Liverpool, ‘You’ll never walk alone’.”
Athlone GAA also paid tribute, describing Martin as “a much-loved and talented young man”.
The club said he was a valued member of its under-16 side and “a tenacious defender with bags of potential”.
It added: “No matter where he went, Martin was respectful, committed on the pitch and had a naturally competitive and fair way of playing the game.”
The club extended its sympathies to Martin’s mother, family, friends, teammates and coaches.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced at a later date.
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