The 12-year-old boy tragically killed in a collision with a train and a car in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, on Thursday, has been named locally as Eoin Doyle.
It is understood that Eoin was returning from GAA training when the car they were travelling in was struck by a train at Kiltybo level crossing.
It has been reported locally that his father had just dropped another boy home from training before the accident.
Locals were seen visiting St Patrick’s Parish Church during the day on Friday to light candles and mourn the young boy.
“There were a lot of extra people at Mass today,” said Parish priest Fr Stephen Farragher, who said the local community were in shock but were rallying around the family of the child.
Eoin had recently been among the crowds who celebrated the Sam Maguire Cup being brought to Ballyhaunis last week following Mayo’s historic Senior Football Championship victory over Kerry.
Cloonfad National School said it was heartbroken by the passing of the sixth class pupil.
“Eoin was a friendly and kind child,” the school said. “He was a talented artist and athlete, who loved music and a smile was never far from his face.
“Eoin will be dearly missed by his friends, and all the pupils and staff at Cloonfad NS. Eoin’s family, neighbours and the community at large are in our thoughts and prayers.”
The child was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which happened at a level crossing along the Dublin to Westport route at around 8.45pm on Thursday night.
Ballyhaunis GAA club paid tribute this evening to Eoin, who the club said was a “wonderful young boy” and teammate. It said that all club activities, training sessions, and matches were suspended until further notice.
“Eoin was a much loved member of our underage teams, a talented young footballer and, above all, a wonderful young boy who was a great friend and teammate to so many within our club,” it said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Eoin’s parents, Declan and Elaine, his twin sister Saoirse, his step-brother Conor, his grandparents Pat and Marguerite Doyle and Ger and Mary Corcoran, his uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends, and all those who knew and loved him.
“We are also thinking especially of Eoin’s teammates, coaches and friends within the club at this incredibly difficult time.
“Eoin will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by everyone at Ballyhaunis GAA.
A Book of Condolence for Eoin will open in the clubhouse from 12pm tomorrow, Saturday.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Cloonfad United FC said that Eoin was an under 12 player, who was a “tremendous athlete,” and whose loss has left the club heartbroken.
“Once again a dark cloud has gathered over our club and the local community. It was just incomprehensible when word broke early this morning of the tragic passing of Cloonfad United u12 player Eoin Doyle,” the club said.
“Eoin has been with our club since the u7 grade and only last Tuesday evening played his usual all action display in the Cloonfad midfield in Kilkerrin as the team secured a playoff for the league title. He also scored a number of goals for the team this season including a couple of spectacular long range efforts.
“A tremendous athlete with terrific energy he also had a rare skill nowadays of being of putting in a clean and precise tackle. Eoin also represented the RDYSL interleague side on a few occasions and was already planning to get back to academy training and matches over the coming months.
“His teammates and management are heartbroken as are all within our club.”
The club said that Eoin’s mother, Elaine, was “one of the driving forces behind girls football in the club over the past few years,” while his father Declan was “always on hand to help with training sessions and matches.”
“We send our deepest condolences to the Doyle and Corcoran families.”
A funeral Mass for Eoin will take place at St. Patrick’s Church in Cloonfad on Tuesday at 12 noon.