TWO 15-YEAR-OLDS have died after they got into difficulty while swimming in Co Clare this afternoon.

Gardaí and emergency services were called to an incident at a quarry lake at Knockanean, Ennis at 3.30pm. Gardaí were notified that people were in difficulty in the water and that assistance was required.

Two units of Ennis fire service, including their water rescue unit, were initially mobilised to the incident along with gardaí and ambulance paramedics.

The Kilkee unit of the Irish Coast Guard, the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter and Clare Civil Defence were also involved in the operation.

It’s understood that two casualties, both 15-year-old boys, were soon located and brought ashore where medical treatment began. Both boys are believed to be from Ennis.

They were airlifted to University Hospital Limerick in a critical condition, but were later pronounced dead.

Gardaí have said their names will not be released until family members have been notified.

With reporting by Hayley Halpin