'We are heartbroken': Tributes paid to Irish teenagers who died on Greek island

Tributes have been paid to the two teenagers, Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, as “bright, sporting, academic” young men.

Tributes have been paid to two teenage boys who have died on the Greek island of Ios.

The students have been named as Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall.

They had graduated from St Michael’s College secondary school this year.

The Dublin school said in a statement on Sunday that Max was “a constant source of positivity” and described Andrew as a “popular” student and a “committed” footballer.

St Michael’s College released an initial statement about the death of Andrew before later confirming Max had also died.

"On a day of immense sadness for the school, we have been notified of another devastating loss from the class of 2023, with the passing of Max Wall. 

"Max was a constant source of positivity, encouragement and fun for all of those around him. He was extremely popular with staff and students alike, and a fantastic supporter of our teams during the various cup campaigns (as well as a great brother to past pupil, Charlie).

Flowers left at the scene outside the school where the principal of St Michael's College where two students had recently sat their Leaving Cert. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

"Our thoughts are with Max’s family at this awful time and with his friends who have experienced such shocking loss over the last 24 hours.

"Our school staff are available to speak with and assist any students who would like to connect over the coming days and weeks."

Earlier on Sunday, the school said it had learned of the “tragic passing” of Andrew O'Donnell, 18, and paid tribute to him as a “popular” friend and a “committed” footballer.

“Andrew was not only a popular classmate and friend, but a proud and committed member of our football team,” it said in a statement.

“He was kind to those around him, honest in all of his endeavours, and a great brother to Rory (Transition Year).

“Andrew will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

The school encouraged students who have questions about available supports in school to contact staff members.

'We are heartbroken'

St Michael’s College principal Tim Kelleher said a number of representatives of the school’s parents’ association have flown to the Greek island to provide support and assistance for the remaining students.

Counselling services and psychological support will also be provided at the school this week, he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland. Mr Kelleher said that the school would open this week to offer support and that a book of condolences had opened.

“We are heartbroken. There's a very tight knit community and these are two fantastic young men with their lives ahead of them. Bright, sporting, academic who, as I say, had their whole lives ahead of them," Mr Kelleher said.

They had been looking forward to this for months on end. And the planning had been ongoing not just in our school, but outside of school. So I think there are hundreds and hundreds of families who have been plunged into deep, deep sadness because of what has occurred.

“It is exactly the nightmare that every parent dreads, group holidays, where you just don't want to get that call to say your child is missing. We are devastated for them and our hearts are broken and our sympathy goes to them all.”

Mr Kelleher said that he expected the other boys who were on the group holiday to return within the next 48 hours and that the school would be their community and provide support for the coming days and weeks.

“They just want to come home to their families, to their school, to their community. And that's what we're here for. We're here to work in the moment to help and support those boys in every way we can."

He added that the class of 2023 had been a very tight knit group of young men.

Flowers left outside the school. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Tom McCormack, of the school’s past pupils union, said that the events of the weekend had been a double tragedy for the school.

“Our thoughts are with the families and the boys of the class of 2023 who were celebrating what should be their next step in their careers. It was a devastating day. We've been heartened by the huge volume of messages of support from Government ministers, councillors, senators and other schools. 

"Our sister school, St Mary's eight years ago suffered the Berkeley tragedy. And we are now experiencing our darkest day and our sincere thanks to everybody who has come through primarily on social media over the last 24 hours when news of Andrew's body first broke and then a few hours later we heard that Max had passed away in hospital.”

Tributes

Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said the news emerging from Greece was “devastating”.

“Thinking of the families and friends of Andrew and Max and all Leaving Cert students abroad in Greece who were enjoying holidays after exams and are now encountering such shock and pain and grief,” he said on Twitter.

Leinster Rugby extended its condolences to both families, tweeting that it was in shock as it dealt with the information.

“Thoughts with the families and friends of the young men gone far too soon. Look after each other and hold your loved ones that little bit tighter.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance. 

"As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases," a statement from the department read.

It is believed his family are now travelling to Greece.

It is the second tragedy in the last seven days involving an Irish student in Greece.

Rory Deegan from Laois died last Sunday in Zakynthos after his body was found in a swimming pool.