A Dublin school has spoken of the “immense sadness” caused by the death of two past pupils in separate incidents on the Greek island of Ios in recent days.
Teenagers Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall both died in separate incidents on the island, which is popular with young holidaymakers.
Andrew and Max, both 18, had recently completed their Leaving Cert studies at St Michael’s College Secondary School on Ailesbury Road in Dublin 4. They had arrived with a group of other students on the island late last week to celebrate the end of exams and finishing secondary school.
It is believed that Andrew O’Donnell’s body was found by Greek police at around 9.20am local time on Sunday close to a cliff near the island’s main town of Hora. He had been reported missing earlier that morning by a friend, who was with him the previous night in Hora. The Greek Reporter states that the two friends had become separated while walking back to their accommodation.
Andrew was remembered as a “popular” classmate and a committed footballer.
In a separate incident which unfolded a few hours later, Max Wall was discovered unconscious by a member of the public close to the island’s port, at around 2pm, the Greek Reporter reports. Emergency services were called and the teenager was brought to hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
Principal of St Michael’s College, Mr Tim Kelleher, today led tributes to the youngsters, saying the school is “heart broken,” while the school’s Director of Rugby said the school community was facing an “almost inconceivable day of tragedy”.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today, Mr Kelleher said:
“We are heartbroken. We have a very tight-knit community and these are two fantastic young men with they lives ahead of them. Bright, sporting academic men… who were looking forward to this trip for months and on end.
“The planning had been ongoing, not just in our school but in other schools. So, I think there are hundreds and hundreds of families plunged into sadness because of what has occurred.”
Mr Kelleher remembered Andrew O’Donnell as a “fantastic young man, great sportsman, fantastic footballer”, as well as someone who was a “huge supporter of the school” and “academically bright”.
He described Max as “a very bright young man” who was a “fantastic sportsman as well”.
“Similarly, Max was a very bright young man. Fantastic sportsman as well, passionate about his rugby and academically very bright also,” he said.
“Unfortunately, both families got the news yesterday that their future had been taken from them and we’re obviously devastated for them, their family and their friends and we’re here to help and support them in any way we can over the next days and weeks,” he told the programme, as the country continues to come to terms with the tragedy.
In separate statements over the weekend, St Michael’s paid tribute to the two classmates.
“We have learned of the tragic passing of Andrew O’Donnell, a member of our recently graduated class of 2023,” the school said.
“Andrew was not only a popular classmate and friend, but a proud and committed member of our football team. He was kind to those around him, honest in all of his endeavours and a great brother to Rory (Transition Year).
“Andrew will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Paying tribute to Max, as news of his passing broke, the school said it was a day of “immense sadness”
“On a day of immense sadness for the school, we have been notified of another devastating loss from the class of 2023, with the passing of Max Wall.
“Max was a constant source of positivity, encouragement and fun for all of those around him. He was extremely popular with staff and students alike, and a fantastic supporter of our teams during the various cup campaigns (as well as a great brother to past pupil, Charlie).
“Our thoughts are with Max’s family at this awful time and with his friends who have experienced such shocking loss over the last 24 hours.
“Our school staff are available to speak with and assist any students who would like to connect over the coming days and weeks.”
Our thoughts are with Andrew O'Donnell and Max Wall’s family and friends at this awful time.
We offer our sincerest condolences to the Class of 2023, the school staff &!the pupils.
The Union is here to support the school staff & past pupil population at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/hxjvGRnWZA— St Michael's College Union (@StMichaelsColl1) July 2, 2023
Mr Kelleher said that a book of condolence will open at the school from today, and that he anticipates that many will pay tribute to the teenagers. He also confirmed that some members of the secondary school’s parents association have flown to Ios to support the bereaved families. He said the other boys are expected to arrive home shortly, adding that the boys’ friends have been left “traumatised” by the tragedies.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of both deaths, and was providing consular assistance.
Former president of St.Michael’s College Union, Tom McCormack, said plans are underway to repatriate the remains of both boys — as he described the situation as “a parent’s worst nightmare.”
“It is an incredible tragedy and all the more heartrending for the parents and the boys out there in Greece,” he said.
“It is a parent’s worst nightmare,” Mr McCormack said, adding that he hoped the repatriation would take place in the next 48 hours.