Tributes have been flowing following the sudden death of a young boy who died suddenly at a Tipperary Primary School last Friday.
Cormac O’Brien, 11, from Knockgraffon, Cahir, Co Tipperary became suddenly unwell at New Inn Boys National School.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after lunchtime following phone calls from school management however despite frantic efforts to save the young boy he passed away.
The small and close-knit community is said to be in shock and numbed at the tragic incident.
It is understood Cormac had been a member of Cashel Rugby Club. In a statement the Club said: “The return of Cashel RFC minis rugby is postponed until Sunday September 13th following a tragic event.”
His devastated parents Michelle and Donal are being comforted by their two other sons, Joey and Daniel, family and numerous close friends.
New Inn club, Rockwell Rovers GAA, also posted their condolences online. A minute’s silence was held at the beginning of their Intermediate Football Semi-Final at 1pm on Saturday.
In a Facebook post Rockwell Rovers GAA said: “Words cannot express the shock and sadness that has passed through our parish as we hear of the untimely passing of young Cormac O’Brien from Knockgraffon.
“Cormac was a popular member of 5th class in New Inn Boys School. Rockwell Rovers Gaa Club offers it’s sincere sympathies to his parents Donal and Michelle and brothers Joey and Daniel and all the Doherty and O'Brien families.
“As a mark of respect to the family, all juvenile matches have been cancelled and ‘a minutes silence’ will be observed at the Intermediate County football semi - final in Cahir. We would like to say to all parents, if they or their children need any support, the Health & Wellbeing officers in the club will provide any help and assistance needed.
“We as a club will support the school with any and every help possible. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
The young boy is survived by his heartbroken parents Donal and Michelle, his loving brothers Joey and Daniel along with grandparents Joe and Mary Doherty and Martha and the late Stevie O’Brien.
In his death notice on rip.ie the family says, “Cormac will be so sadly missed by his family, aunts, uncles, his cousins and his many friends.
His parents Donal and Michelle are inviting family and close friends to visit their home on Tuesday from 2pm where Cormac will lie in repose.
He will then leave his home on Wednesday at 1.30pm to arrive at the Church of Our Lady Queen, New Inn for Funeral Mass at 2pm for family and close friends with burial afterwards in Knockgraffon cemetery.
The family have asked that mourners donate to New Inn Boys National School in lieu of floral bouquets and wreaths.
