Boy, 8, dies following car accident

An eight-year-old boy has died after he was knocked down at a rugby club as an awards ceremony was taking place.

The tragedy happened in the car park of Enniscorthy Rugby Club in Co Wexford last night as more than 100 children and parents gathered inside.

The youngster, who has not yet been named, was a member of the under-nines squad and his father is a popular club coach.

Rory Fanning, chairman of Enniscorthy Rugby Club, extended his sincere sympathy to the family of the young boy.

“We sincerely thank the Gardaí, the ambulance service, Wexford Hospital and all others who helped with this tragic event,” he added in a statement.

It is understood the schoolboy was playing when he ran between two parked cars and was hit by the Hyundai 1X, driven by a local man, at about 7.15pm.

He was seriously injured and rushed to Wexford General Hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Town councillor Paddy Kavanagh was handing out awards to young players at the club’s “mini awards night” when the accident happened.

Mr Kavanagh, a club member, said everyone was devastated as the news unfolded.

“To be honest it’s a devastating thing to happen, devastating on the parents, on the child and on the driver of the car,” said the councillor.

“It was near the end and we got word there have been an accident in the car park.

“People didn’t realise how bad it was. When you hear of a child knocked down you would be hoping it’s just a few scratches.

“It was only afterwards when we went out we saw the ambulance there.

“Everybody was just devastated. Rather than having a party atmosphere after the prize giving everybody went home.

“Everybody was gutted,” Mr Kavanagh added.

A post-mortem examintion will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death, while the scene of the incident remains preserved for a technical examination.

Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053-9242580 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.