A 13-year-old who was tragically killed in a road collision earlier this week in Kilkenny has been remembered as a “kind, gentle, and sincere young boy.”
Billy Rockett from Kilmacow in Kilkenny was killed after a car he was travelling in collided with another vehicle.
Billy was sitting in the back seat when the incident happened at around 2 pm on Wednesday on the N10 at Dunderyark, Danesfort.
The young teenager was sadly pronounced dead at the scene when emergency services arrived.
His father Liam has been taken to St Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny and the man and woman in the other car were also treated in the same hospital with their injuries said to be non-life-threatening.
In a tribute to Billy from his national school, it read: “We learned last night [Wednesday] of the passing of one of our beloved past pupils, Billy Rockett.
“Billy is fondly remembered as a kind, gentle, and sincere young boy. Our school is devastated by the tragic and untimely passing of Billy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jo, Liam, Ellen, Marie, and Hannah at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Kilmacow Hurling and Football Club has also paid tribute, writing a statement that noted that the family “will need prayers” and “going forward, all the support we can give.”
“Please say a prayer for the family & keep them in your thoughts. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis, RIP Billy,” it read.
Shamrocks GAA Club also wrote: “Deepest condolences at this sad time to the Dowling and Rockett family and the wider community. Thoughts and prayers are with the families.”
While Waterford FC said: “This is really devastating. The Rocketts are, and always have been, tremendous Blues fans and I’d count Liam as a good friend through the club.”
Gardaí have called on witnesses to come forward.
They have also urged road users with camera and dash-cam footage to make the footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone travelling on the N10 in the Danesfort area between 1:30 pm and 2:15 pm should come forward.
Witnesses can contact Thomastown Garda Station on 056 775 4150.
You can also call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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