'The loveliest young fella': Tributes paid to Kilkenny boy who died after freak sliotar accident

Harry Byrne, from Gowran, was accidentally hit by a sliotar in the head while playing with friends at lunchtime at St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny.

A teenage boy who died following a freak accident at St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny city on Monday afternoon is expected to be laid to rest on Friday.

Harry Byrne, aged 13, from Gowran, Co Kilkenny, was rushed to St Luke’s General Hospital on Monday afternoon after being accidentally hit by a sliotar in the head while playing with friends at lunchtime.

The GAA fan and first-year student was rushed to nearby St Luke’s General Hospital by emergency services but died on Tuesday.

Management at the prestigious secondary school, where hurling greats current Galway senior hurling manager Henry Shefflin, former Kilkenny manager Eddie Kerr and All-Star great DJ Carey attended, have expressed their deep regrets over the tragic accident involving the 13-year-old student.

In a statement on Tuesday the school said: "St Kieran’s College deeply regrets that a tragic accident happened at lunchtime yesterday involving a young student of our school.

"The accident occurred while the students were playing normally.

This is a terrible tragedy for his family, friends, parish and all in our school community. You will understand the need for privacy at this time.

"Prayers and offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated."

The statement added: "Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service are present with us in the school supporting and advising teachers in their efforts to care for our students at this time.

"The school continues to be open to parents, to support them, and to offer them advice and guidance.

"Each and every one of our students is precious to us – we pray for each other today – May St Kieran be a support at this time."

The teenager, who is survived by his parents Fergal and Annette, and three other siblings, will be buried following his Requiem Mass on Friday at the Church of the Assumption in Gowran.

Gardaí are treating the incident as a tragic accident.

A file is being prepared for the Coroner’s Court.

'The loveliest young fella you could meet'

A friend of the Byrne family has appealed for privacy for the family.

Ciaran Phelan, who is vice chairperson of Young Irelands GAA club, of which Harry Byrne and his family were members, told RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show that Harry’s remains are expected to return to his home today and he appealed for privacy for the family so they could "have time with Harry.” 

Mr Phelan said that the parish and club had never experienced anything like this before.

“I can’t put into words how this is affecting us.” 

The Byrne family was well known and respected in the area, he had known them all his life, he said.

Harry was “the loveliest young fella you could meet”.

His enthusiasm, his smile, his manners “everything about him stood out. He was a credit to his family and his club. He was a lovely chap.” 

Mr Phelan said that Harry visited his home regularly and was always very polite, “he would thank you for food, he would thank you for a lift, it was always so heartfelt”.

Harry was a talented hurler having won two under-14 championship medals, which was “a big deal” for a country club.

Harry was an important member of the squad.”

Being chosen to go forward for the county development squad recently “was a big deal for him and his family”, added Mr Phelan.

The local children were a tight knit group, he said, they travelled to school together by bus and would play hurling together at weekends and after school.

Mr Phelan said he had spoken with Harry’s parents Fergal and Annette and everyone in the area was “going to do their best for them.”

Harry Byrne, from Gowran, was accidentally hit by a sliotar in the head while playing with friends at lunchtime at St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny.

The mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Andrew McGuiness expressed his shock and sadness at the death.

Cllr McGuinness told Newstalk Breakfast that the whole of Kilkenny city and county was in shock. 

It was very sad for the community of St Kieran’s College, and for the student’s family and friends.

He described Harry as “a wonderful kid, full of energy”.

He played soccer for me, he was a right little goalkeeper, but his first love was hurling.” 

Harry had recently won an under age medal and had tried out for the county team and was awaiting word about getting a place on the county development squad.

“He was an up and coming player, a great player with a lovely attitude.” 

It was hard to understand or make sense of what had happened, it was “absolutely devastating” for everyone who knew him.

“He was well known and well liked.” 

Cllr Hynes said that he hoped Harry’s death would not deter others from continuing sporting activities.

“Life is precious, this is an awful time, but kids should still be encouraged to go out and play sport.” 

Hurling was part of the fabric of life in Kilkenny, he said. It was common to see “young lads walking up and down the street with hurleys in their hand not mobile phones”.

“It’s a tradition here."

Harry was hoping to be the next Henry Shefflin or DJ Carey, said Cllr Hynes.

“Sadly his life was cut too short.”

The mayor called on people to respect and support the family at this difficult time.

Gowran parish priest, Fr Pat Dalton, who met with the Byrne family, to offer his condolences “and anything I could do.” 

The community would rally around the family, he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.