Martin Greene sadly died after getting into difficulty swimming in the water at Lough Ree last Saturday
14:38, 16 Jul 2026
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Martin's remains leave church after funeral mass (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.)
A teenager who tragically lost his life following a swimming tragedy over the weekend has been remembered as a ‘generous, kind, good-mannered, respectful’ young lad during his Funeral Mass.
Beloved Martin Greene (15) sadly died after getting into difficulty swimming in the water at Lough Ree, off Carnakilla Point, in Glasson, shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday.
Mourners kitted in the colour red to symbolise the teenagers love of Liverpool F.C. gathered at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan on Thursday to pay their final respects to young Martin before he was laid to rest.
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Martin Greene - who tragically drowned at Lough Ree, Westmeath
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The funeral of Martin Greene took place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.)
The parish priest shared: “As we gather here this day, we remember Martin, and remember too, his goodness, and it stands out.
“He was a different young person to all the many young people that are here, because he was always himself. He was his own person.
“And we have beautiful words describing Martin, written by those who have known him and loved him, and those words are kind, good-mannered, respectful, great captain, a person who was generous, who helped others, who helped his family, who helped his mother, who always showed a quiet word, a good sense of humour.
“He knew how to laugh. He knew how to enjoy life. He knew how to be happy, and so he still stood out, though, because in the midst of a world that can at times be very noisy and very loud, he was quiet.
“He kept his counsel, a quick quip or a turn of phrase, but he was, as I've mentioned, his own man.
“And so on this day we remember him with great fondness and love. There are many of you here who have known and loved Martin in this life, but above all his family.
“And he was always there for you, and he was always at the heart of what you did. And his goodness shone out in the midst of all of the ups and downs of life.”
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Tributes pictured this morning at the funeral of 15-year-old Martin Greene (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.)
Tokens representing Martin’s life were carried to the altar, including a cherished trophy he received for being named player of the year, a pair of football boots, his phone, and his PlayStation controller.
A family member told of Martin’s smile, sharing how he had “dimples that would light up any room” he entered, and how he was a “handsome, brave boy” with exceptional manners.
“We are gathered here today with broken hearts to remember a life cut far too short,” she shared.
“Martin's dad passed when Martin was six weeks old. Martin grew up to be a handsome, brave boy who had a massive passion for sports.
“Martin had manners that would take him around the world and back. He had a smile with the most beautiful dimples that would light up any room he walked into. He was a brilliant player and the team captain for St Francis Football Club. Martin also played Gaelic for Athlone GAA. He won his first trophy for being the top scorer of the year.
She added: “We will also cherish and remember Martin's soul and memories, and we'll never forget his beautiful eyes and that little cheeky, beautiful smile and dimples. Martin, we love you. Forever as always, forever 15. You'll never walk alone, son.”
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The cortege arrives at church led by a piper (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.)
David Walsh, one of Martin’s coaches at St Francis, praised Martin as a ‘quiet and well mannered’ young lad who was highly thought of by those who knew him.
He shared: “There are lots of us here who could say something about Martin, and would all have something different to say, but I think we'd all agree on his traits as a person.
“A son, a brother, a classmate, a teammate. I know, for example, he was very highly thought of by his classmates and the staff at ACC.
“There were some lovely words said over the last few days by all he encountered at ACC, and I know his former teachers at St Mary's were very fond of him too.
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“A quiet, well-mannered lad with a smile you could never fully work out. Sometimes I worry that Athlone is getting too big too quickly, and that we are losing the community spirit.
“But I have found a newfound hope for the town after the last few days. The support and kindness shown by the community towards Martin and his family has been something very special.”
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