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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
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Connor Lynch

Tributes to 'precious' two-year-old Noah McAleese who died at Ballymoney farm

Tributes have been paid to "precious" two-year-old Noah McAleese who died following a tragedy at a Ballymoney farm.

Noah passed away following an incident at the Bravallen Road farm on Friday, November 11, bringing a wave of sadness over his local community.

PSNI officers are working with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland and Environmental Health from the Causeway Coast and Glens Council following the tragedy.

Read more: Ballymoney: PSNI statement following death of two-year-old boy

A death notice by McKieranans Funeral Directors said that Noah would never be forgotten by the McAleese and Cassidy family, who have asked for privacy at this sad time.

It said: "We regret to inform you of the tragic passing of Noah Shea McAleese R.I.P. (Ballymoney & Dunloy)

"Precious son of Johnny and Corrina and adored brother of Cohen.

"Beloved grandson of Seamus and Betty and Kieran and the late Rosemary Cassidy.

"Adored and never forgotten by the entire McAleese and Cassidy family circle.

"House private please.

"Funeral Arrangements will be updated when they become available."

Dunloy Cuchullains paid tribute to the tragic two-year-old, who's father Johnny is one of their former players.

A statement on social media said: "Everyone at Dunloy GA+CC was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news yesterday of the sudden passing of Noah McAleese.

"Noah is the son of our former player Johnny and his wife Corrina. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the entire McAleese and Cassidy family circles at this very sad time."

Prior to Dunloy's game against Dungloe on Saturday, a minutes silence was held in memory of the young boy.

SDLP group leader councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said the entire area was in shock following the heart-breaking incident.

"I’d like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the child who lost their life at a farm in the Ballymoney area on Friday," she said.

"I can’t begin to imagine what they are going through, but I know that everyone right across this area is thinking of them at this awful time.

"This is an absolutely terrible tragedy which has reverberated throughout the community here as seen by the huge outpouring of grief and support for those affected. I know people in Ballymoney will rally around this family and help them in any way they can as they come to terms with this unspeakable loss."

Last night, local DUP councillor, Mervyn Storey, told Belfast Live : "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. This family has been plunged into unimaginable sorrow.

"Ballymoney as a community, when this news began to break this evening, has just been in sorrow because we are families, we have children of our own, I'm a grandparent.

"I know well how we love our children and love our families, and for this to happen is just unimaginable sorrow that the family and family circle are going through tonight.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we as a community will have to be with this family for many days to come."

Patricia O’Lynn, Alliance MLA for North Antrim, has expressed her shock and devastation following the news.

"Ballymoney is a close-knit town with family at its heart," said Dr O’Lynn. "To hear of the loss of a child is simply heart-breaking; the grief of the family, and the town, is beyond words.

"My every thought is with this family tonight as they face a tragedy beyond measure."

In a statement on Saturday, a PSNI spokeswoman said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSE NI) and Environmental Health from the Causeway Coast and Glens Council to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a two-year-old boy in the Bravallen Road area of Ballymoney.

"Local officers continue to support the family at this difficult time."

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