‘Hearts are broken’ after deaths of Irish youngsters on Greek island – principal
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college principal has mentioned “our hearts are broken” and households have been plunged into “deep sadness” after the deaths of two latest graduates on the Greek island of Ios.
Tributes have been paid to the 2 youngsters, Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, as “bright, sporting, academic” younger males.
St Michael’s College in Dublin launched an announcement on Sunday concerning the loss of life of Andrew earlier than later confirming Max had additionally died.
Irish deputy premier and minister for overseas affairs Micheal Martin mentioned a consular officer was on the bottom on Ios supporting the households concerned.
He described the youngsters’ deaths as “devastating” and “every parent’s nightmare”.
Minister for Further Education Simon Harris mentioned his ideas have been with Leaving Cert college students on vacation in Greece who have been “now encountering such shock and pain and grief”.
On Monday, principal of St Michael’s College Tim Kelleher mentioned that representatives of the varsity’s mum or dad affiliation had flown to the Greek island to assist the households.
“We’re absolutely devastated, the entire community is reeling with the news over the last 24 hours,” he advised RTE’s Morning Ireland.
“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to the bereaved families, some of the parents association reps have flown out to the island to give them some support in their time of need.”
He described Andrew as a “fantastic young man, great sportsman, fantastic footballer” who was academically shiny, and was wanting ahead to his vacation and to attending school.
“A very, very bright future,” he mentioned.
He described Max as “very bright”, “passionate about rugby” and had “the world at his feet”.
He mentioned he was “full of optimism and hope for the future”.
Mr Kelleher added: “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 friends, and we’re here to help and support in any way we can in the next days and weeks.”
He mentioned that the group of classmates who had been on vacation with them are “absolutely traumatised” and are on their means dwelling.
He mentioned that the varsity is open, there’s a ebook of condolences open and assist is accessible to those that want it.
Several bouquets of flowers have been positioned on the Dublin college on Monday.
The Irish tricolour and the varsity flag have been being flown at half mast exterior the entrance door.
“We are heartbroken,” mentioned Mr Kelleher.
“We are a tight-knit community and these are two fantastic young men with their whole lives ahead of them.
“Bright, sporting, academic men, who had their whole lives ahead of them.
“There are hundreds and hundreds of families this morning plunged into deep, deep sadness because of what has occurred and again we are reeling with it.
“It’s exactly the nightmare that every parent dreads when group holidays and big groups of children go away.
“You just don’t want to get that call to say your child is missing.
“But two of our families have had that call and we are devastated for them, and our hearts are broken and our sympathy goes to them all.”
The previous president of St Michael’s Union ,Tom McCormack, mentioned it was the “darkest day” within the historical past of the Dublin college.
He mentioned: “It was a devastating day, we’ve been heartened by the huge volume of messages of support from government ministers, councillors, senators, other schools.
“Our sister school, St Mary’s, eight years ago had the Berkeley tragedy and we are now experiencing our darkest day.”
The Tanaiste prolonged his condolences.
“I think we’re all devastated at the loss of such young lives with such great potential, Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall,” Mr Martin RTE Radio One.
“And our deepest sympathies go to their parents, to their families and to the entire school community of St Michael’s.”
Mr Martin mentioned he had spoken to the varsity principal on Monday morning.
“They are devastated,” he mentioned.
“Two outstanding young men with their lives ahead of them and our thoughts and our prayers are with the families and their friends.
“And obviously many of their friends are out there in Ios and it’s a very, very difficult time for them now and we just ask them to look after each other over the next number of days and in the difficult time ahead.”
He added: “It is devastating and the most traumatic news that any parent could hear and it is every parent’s nightmare and many of our sons and daughters go abroad after leaving certificates and after exams.
“And we’re a country where many people travel now and accidents can happen anywhere, I think we have to say that, but in this context our officials and our department is there to help and to offer support when terrible, sad events like this occur.”
Minister for Education Norma Foley mentioned on Monday that there are “no words” to explain the heartbreaking news.
“Heartfelt sympathies to the school community at St Michael’s College and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Andrew, Max and their classmates.”
Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O’Neill mentioned on Twitter that her ideas and prayers are with the household, pals and college neighborhood at St Michael’s, and has written to the varsity to increase her condolences.