'Kofi brought us joy and smiles'

Funeral for well-loved 'fabulous boy' who died aged 15 in tragic drowning

- BY SEAN MURPHY

THE devastated family of a young teenager who drowned a week ago were told at his funeral that he inspired smiles and joy “every day at school” and that he was the “most beautiful boy”.

Kofi Jackson Owusu was just 15 years old when he died at a beach in Laytown, Co Meath, on June 20.

The talented student and sportsman got into difficulty in the River Nanny while enjoying a day out with his friends.

Broken-hearted mourners yesterday swelled the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Dundalk, Co Louth, for the emotional service.

Before the funeral Mass, his parents Tony and Maria, plus sisters Faith and Esther, said Kofi “will be so missed”.

They and their extended family, with friends and students from his Colaiste Chu Chulainn, as well as teammates at Redeemer Celtic, led mourners such as Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Dail TD Ruairi O Murchú.

Pastor Alex Alajiki said “this is a very painful period for us all” and thanked mourners for their compassion because “it is of great comfort for the family”.