TRIBUTES are being paid to a young man who died in a swimming accident earlier this week.
Luke McAuliffe, from Louth, passed away in the tragedy on Tuesday.
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His death notice on RIP.ie reads: “Tragically, in a swimming accident.
“Predeceased by his beloved mum Felicia (nee Smyth).
“He will be so missed by his heartbroken dad Alan, stepmum Rachel, siblings Alex, James, Ella and Zachary, grandparents Felix and Bridget Smyth, Frank and Bridget McAuliffe and Frank and Margaret Byrne, girlfriend Amy Toal, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many friends.”
Luke’s funeral mass will take place at  St. Mary’s Church, Lordship at 1pm today.
He will be laid to rest at Lordship Cemetery afterwards.
A number of people have taken to social media to pay tribute to Luke.
Dundalk R.F.C wrote on Facebook: “We are deeply saddened to share the news of the untimely passing of one of our former players, Luke McAuliffe.
“A beloved member of the Dundalk Rugby family, his spirit and enthusiasm for the game touched us all.
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“As we mourn this profound loss, our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Louth Mavericks AFC will also hold a minute’s applause for Luke at their game against Craigavon Cowboys at Dundalk Rugby Club this afternoon.
In a message to their followers, the American Football team added: “There will also be a minutes applause held just before kick off in honour of Luke McAuliffe, a Dundalk Rugby Club member who tragically passed away in the last few days.
“We would like it if all of our attendees would join us in honouring Luke with this applause.”
Local bar Martins Of Riverstown said Luke was “one of the nicest young men you would ever meet”.
They wrote: “@martinsofriverstown would like to extend their sincerest sympathies to the McAuliffe family, on the very sad passing of Luke.
“Luke was an ever present participant in our Thursday night pool competions here and also would quite frequently just come in for a few games with his friend Joey.
“No doubt Luke would have been part of our pool team in the future.
“While the craic was being had on a Thursday night Luke would always just sit back and look so relaxed with nothing other than a smile on his face.
“He was one of the nicest young men you would ever meet.
“We will really miss seeing his face come through the doors.
“May you Rest in Peace Luke from all the staff here at Martins.”
