Funeral of 'wonderful young boy' who died in Mayo level crossing tragedy

TRIBUTES: "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."

The funeral arrangements have been announced of 12-year-old Eoin Doyle, Gurrane, Ballyhaunis, who died tragically following an accident at a level crossing at Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis, last night.

The deceased was a passenger in a car that was involved in a collision with a train at the location shortly before 9 p.m.

The driver of the car has been receiving treatment at Mayo University Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the incident.

A number of investigations are ongoing into the accident.

The tragedy has cast a shadow of deep sadness and sorrow over the east Mayo community.

Local Parish Priest Fr. Stephen Farragher stated: "It's the kind of occurrence you hope you won't be hearing on the news and you hope it would be not visited on your own community.

"There is a real air of shock and sadness in the aftermath of the tragedy."

Eoin is deeply regretted by his heartbroken parents Declan and Elaine (née Corcoran), his twin sister Saoirse, step-brother Conor, grandparents Pat and Marguerite Doyle and Ger and Mary Corcoran, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends, to whom heartfelt sympathy is tendered.

A Book of Condolences will open at Ballyhaunis GAA Club tomorrow (Saturday) at 12 noon.

Eoin was a sixth class pupil of Cloonfad National School.

A tribute by Shane Morgan, principal, stated: "The Cloonfad NS community and the wider Cloonfad/Ballyhaunis area are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our 6th class pupil Eoin Doyle.

"We extend heartfelt condolences to his twin sister, Saoirse and step brother, Conor, his parents Declan and Elaine and the wider Doyle and Corcoran families.

"Eoin was a friendly and kind child. 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 of Cloonfad NS. Eoin's family, neighbours and the community at large are in our thoughts and prayers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May Eoin rest in peace."

Local Councillor Alma Gallagher said it was with a heavy heart that she joined countless others in mourning the tragic passing of Eoin.

"Over the coming days we unit to bid farewell to a young man who brought so much joy, talent and kindness into our lives.

"Eoin was not only a gifted athlete and friend but a soul who touched the hearts of everyone around him.

"My thoughts are with his team-mates, school friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

"To Elaine and Declan, who have shown such kindness and support to many, now it is the time for us to support you in this incredibly difficult journey.

"Also to Saoirse, Connor and Eoin's beloved grandparents, my deepest sympathy is with you.

"Eoin was taken from us far too soon but his spirit will forever be in our souls."

In a tribute, Ballyhaunis GAA Club stated: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our young club member, Eoin Doyle.

"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.

"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.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Eoin was a member of the Under-12 team at Cloonfad United FC.

In a tribute, the club stated: "Once again a dark cloud has gathered over our club and the local community. It was just incomprehensible when word broke of the tragic passing of Cloonfad United Under-12 player Eoin Doyle.

"Eoin has been with our club since the Under-7 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 putting in a clean and precise tackle.

"Eoin also represented the Roscommon (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.

"Eoin 's mother Elaine was one of the driving forces behind girls football in the club over the past few years with his father Declan always on hand to help with training sessions and matches.

"We send our deepest condolences to the Doyle and Corcoran families.

"All club activities are postponed until further notice as a mark of respect."

A tribute by Claremorris Athletic Club said Eoin was a wonderful young lad, so pleasant to work with and so enthusiastic.

"He enjoyed so many sports and excelled at them all. Only last spring he was part of our Under-14 relay team that won the Connacht Final at the Indoor Championships. Memories we will always cherish of Eoin.

"We extend our sincere sympathy to Eoin's parents, Declan and Elaine, to his twin sister Saoirse, who is also a member of the club, his step brother Conor and to the extended Doyle and Corcoran families. We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time."

Ballyhaunis Golf Club, of which Eoin was also a member, stated in a tribute: "We are shocked and saddened at the news of the tragic passing of our promising junior club member Eoin Doyle.

"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.

"May his beautiful spirit rest in peace."

Messages of condolences are being paid on social media to the bereaved family on their devastating loss.

One stated: "My deepest condolences to Declan, Elaine and Saoirse, I can't imagine what you must be going through. You are all in my thoughts and I hope you get the strength to get through this time."

Another said: "May God comfort the heartbroken family and bring them peace in the days ahead."

Reposing at Donnellan's Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, on Monday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral will arrive to St. Patrick's Church, Cloonfad, on Tuesday for Requiem Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in Ballyhaunis Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.