BY CRONAN SCANLON

THE funeral of the thirteen year old St Johnston boy who drowned in the River Foyle took place in his home yesterday morning (Thursday).

Bryan McDaid of Ard na Meala was walking with friends on a sand bed near St Johnston on Monday evening when he lost his footing and was carried out into the water during a change of tide.

The alarm was raised by his friend at around 6.15pm and a major air and sea operation was launched to try and find him. Greencastle Coastguard, Foyle Search and rescue, local Civil Defence and fishermen as well as the PSNI helicopter and the Coastguard Helicopter assisted in the search. His body was recovered at around 9.10pm the same night.

Local parish priest, Father Dan Carr, described Bryan's death as an "unbelievable tragedy" that should not have happened.

"Bryan's family are utterly devastated and the community as a whole has been totally numbed by his death," Fr Carr said.

"This is a very close community and their neighbours have been very good to them. They really need them now and the neighbours have answered their call".

Fr Carr said that Bryan's friend, who was with him at the time, was lucky to escape with his life.

He explained that the Foyle is a tidal river and when the tide is out it exposes large areas of mud-flats.

"Some of the mud-flats are very solid and can be walked on. This area would have been well known by local fishermen. However, Bryan did not know this and was playing there with his friends when the tide turned. He got stuck in the muck and was unable to make it to safety".

PJ McGowan, the principal of Deele College in Raphoe, where Brian was a pupil, said he will be badly missed.

The deceased is the son of Damien and Geraldine Mc Daid and was one of a family of four ranging in ages from 9 to 19 years. He is also survived by his sisters Danielle and Area and brother James.

A post mortem examination took place at Letterkenny General Hospital on Tuesday morning. He was laid to rest following requiem Mass in St Baithin's Church St Johnson yesterday morning.

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