Friends of two students killed in crash post goodbye messages online

FRIENDS of the two students killed in a horrific car crash in Lucan, Co Dublin, at the weekend have left dozens of poignant messages on their Bebo websites.

Leaving Certificate students Richard Kearney, 17, and James Rafferty, 17, were on a break during an extra study day at Coláiste Phadraig CBS in Lucan on Saturday morning when they lost their lives.

The two teenagers were killed when the car in which they were travelling crashed into a garden wall. The scene of the accident, just minutes from the school gates, has also become the focus of grief for friends and teachers.

It is believed that Richard, from Foxborough Downes in Lucan, and James, from Larkhill Estate, were back-seat passengers in a blue Citroen C3 that was also carrying three other male students.

All five students were taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown. Two were released following treatment and a third was said to be in a stable condition.

The Kearney family placed a death notice in yesterday’s newspapers, thanking staff who looked after Richard “in his final hours”.

A special memorial was set up in the school yesterday with pictures of the boys and school principal, Brian Murtagh, provided a special prayer room and arranged counselling for those who wanted it.

Clinical psychologist, Marie Murray, said that what was being provided by the school and community was exactly was needed — support, acknowledgement, a place to lay flowers and express memories, the community gathering together, a space for prayer and the availability but not the imposition of counsellors.

Ms Murray, who is director of student counselling services in University College Dublin, said close friends of the young people would be particularly distressed and while they might wish to be with their other friends for support they may not wish to talk about their feelings.

“Parents can help by acknowledging the tragedy, how complex the emotions people will feel are and by being available to talk about what happened if their children wish to but not forcing conversation,” she said.

“People talk when they are ready to. Talking should always be invitational and it seems that the young people in Lucan have already found a way of letting those who died know how much they loved them through the messages they have posted on their websites.”

“Each person is different. Parents can help by assuring their children that there is no right way to grieve and whatever they feel is fine.

“Helping young people means listening to how they would like to honour their friends and facilitating that appropriately.”