The President is leading tributes for Ailish Sheehan – the young Limerick woman who died in Poland where she was competing in the World University Championships for Rowing.

Michael D Higgins says Ailish was “a talented rower and student of design, whose loss will be felt acutely by her team mates and colleagues”.

The 23-year-old died as a result of serious injuries sustained in a fall in Poznan on Sunday.

Rowing Ireland said it is deeply saddened by the news of Ailish’s passing, and has extended its condolences to her family and friends.

The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, said her death is a tragic loss.

“Ailish was in the prime of her life a young girl – great athlete, great oarsperson,” he said.

“And she’s going to be missed, not just by her family, but her friends and her rowing colleagues in St Michael’s – I’m a member of that club myself.

“And as a mark of respect, I have asked that the Irish flag be flown at half-mast outside Limerick City and County Council offices in Merchant’s Quay on Monday.”