As a mark of respect, a planned fireworks display to mark the final day of the festival was cancelled
A long-running music festival turned tragic over the weekend after a teenager drowned at the event.
The teenager has been named locally as Alan Creamer, 19, from Rooskeynamona, Mohil, Co Leitrim.
It is believed Mr Creamer fell into the nearby canal while attending the Ballinamore Family Festival in Co Leitrim on Saturday night, August 15. It is understood that the incident is being treated as a tragic accident.
As a mark of respect, the planned fireworks display to mark the final day of the Ballinamore Family Festival has been cancelled, the Irish Mirror reports.
Alan is survived by his mother Carmel, father John, sister Chloe and extended family. In a tribute posted on RIP.ie his family said: “It is with heavy hearts, we share the sudden, tragic loss of our beloved Alan.
“Alan left us far too soon. His bright smile and kind heart will stay with us forever”. No funeral arrangements have been announced as yet.
The Ballinamore Festival has run in Co Leitrim for over 60 years and normally runs between August 9 and 16. The festival contains free open‐air concerts and is famous for nightly concerts on the Main Street platform, featuring top Irish acts such as Mike Denver, Derek Ryan, Sean Magee and Johnny Brady.
In a statement on the tragedy festival organisers said “the Ballinamore Family Festival committee is deeply saddened by the tragic events in Ballinamore on Saturday night August 15. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected and with everyone who is hurting at this very difficult time. Thank you for your understanding, compassion and respect at this time.”
The tragedy is the second drowning in the area in recent days. James Fanthorpe McHugh lost his life on Tuesday August 11, when he fell into the water at Annalee River in nearby Ballyhaise, Co Cavan.
It is believed Mr McHugh was fishing when he fell in and got into difficulty in the water. His Requiem Mass took place Saturday, 15 August, in St. Anne’s Church, Bailieborough followed by interment in St. Anne’s Cemetery.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login