A boxing club in Galway has paid tribute to three young men who have died after the car they were in entered the water in the early hours of Saturday, February 11th.

They have been named locally as 16-year-old John Keenan, his cousin Christopher Stokes (19) and their friend Wojcieck Panek (17).

Gardaí are investigating the fatal accident that occurred at Menlo Pier, Galway City.

At approximately 2:40am yesterday, Gardaí and emergency services received reports of a car in the water at the pier.

It is understood that the car flipped upside down after it entered the water, trapping the three teenagers inside for as long as 15 minutes until they were reached.

The men were removed from the water and Mr Keenan and Mr Panek were pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Stokes died in intensive care in University Hospital Galway on Saturday afternoon.

The Olympic Boxing Club, of which Mr Stokes and Mr Keenan were members, described the event as a "devastating tragedy".

In a Facebook post, the club wrote: "Rest in Peace to both club members Christopher Stokes and John Keenan.

"Both exceptional young men and too young to go. Rest in perfect peace boys, we’re all broken hearted."

In an earlier post, the club said Mr Keenan "always had a big smile on his face and would go out of his way to do anything for anyone".

"He never let anything get him down."

The scene at Menlo Pier is currently preserved for technical examination and the services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.