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24th Dec 2016

“He Will Always Be 7 Years Old”: Dad’s Moving Tribute To Tragic Son Oisín

Amanda Cassidy

Seven-year-old Oisín O’Driscoll was laid to rest yesterday.

He was found dead with his mum, Sinéad Higgins at their London home earlier this month.

At the emotional service at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Bray, Co Wicklow, his dad, Shane O’Driscoll, fought back tears as he paid tribute to the little boy.

“Oisín was a boy who had to put up with far too much in the past couple of years and despite his mum’s troubles, Oisín did love her.”

Oisín’s parents were separated at the time of his death, which British police say was consistent with a murder-suicide.

Mr O’Driscoll says the eulogy was “the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write or say.” The Irish Times reports that he read out a letter from a teacher at Oisín’s school:

“As a teacher I am privileged to have known such an amazing gentle, kind boy. Oisín had many very special qualities. He was intelligent, articulate, fun, always questioning, very fond of friends and loved playing football”

Oisín’s dad said he had touched so many hearts in his short life but most of all his and he loved being his dad. He said he was going to miss their little chats and their special bond would now have to pass on to a different level.

He finished by saying “Sleep well, little man”

A single white dove was released as the little boy was buried in Kilternan cemetery in South Dublin.