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29th February 2024
10:24am GMT
Tributes are being paid to Dylan Coady Coleman, who sadly died on Wednesday morning (February 28th) at the Children's Health Ireland hospital at Temple Street, Dublin.
The young boy suffered serious injuries after a road accident in Purcell Park, Shannon, Co Clare, on Sunday, February 25th.
The 10-year-old had just become a big brother after his mum gave birth on Tuesday to a baby boy.
Fr Tom Whelan, the co-parish priest at St Senan's in Shannon, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the community is experiencing 'palpable sadness' following Dylan's tragic death.
"Everybody's words are about Dylan and Dylan's family,” he told the news outlet.
"You can just feel the sadness around the place, the heads are bowed, people cannot believe it. It's a tragedy beyond tragedies.”
Fr Whelan said that Dylan's classmates and teachers at St Tola’s National School are also in deep turmoil over his passing.
"Teachers were crying on Monday as I went in there, and the sadness of the children as well.
“Everybody in the community is thinking of Dylan's parent and family. Everybody's with them in heart and soul, they really are.
"I can only begin to imagine what the poor mother has been through this week, it's unbelievable."
Dylan's school have issued an emotional tribute in the wake of his death, remembering him as a young boy who had a 'kind heart' and a 'gorgeous smile'.
“It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic death of our beloved pupil Dylan Coady Coleman,” the statement reads.
“Dylan is a much-loved fourth-class pupil in St Tola’s NS. His gorgeous smile and kind heart endeared him to everyone in our school community. He will be greatly missed."
The school sent their prayers to Dylan's parents, Laura and Gary, and his siblings, sister Zoe, and his new baby brother, Shane.
"We are also thinking of his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, his extended family and his wide circle of friends, especially those here in St Tola’s," the statement conitnued.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.”
The 10-year-old also played soccer at his local club, Shannon Town Utd AFC, who, in their statement, admitted they were 'heartbroken' by Dylan's death.
“Dylan has been with the club since he was four and was a member of our current under-11 squad," the tribute began.
"He was a joy to be around and always had a great big smile on his face when he played.
"On behalf of his team-mates and coaches Pa, Kieran and Jason (who he never paid any attention to), we're all heartbroken."
"His infectious smile and energy will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Dylan. YNWA."
No funeral arrangements for the young boy as of yet, according to Fr Whelan.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the road accident involving a van and the boy shortly after 2pm in Purcell Park on Sunday.
Dylan was airlifted by the HSE's Cork-based Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) air ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he received treament for his injuries.
He was later transferred to Temple Street, where he sadly died.
A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the incident but has since been released pending further investigations.
Gardaí have appealed to any witnesses of this collision to come forward.
"Any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were traveling in the Purcell Park area between 1.45pm and 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon are asked to provide this footage to gardaí," the Garda Press Office urges.
"Anyone with information is urged to contact Shannon Garda Station at 061 365900, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."
A memorial fund has been set up in Dylan's name to help his family during this difficult time.
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