Hundreds of balloons released at emotional vigil for Limerick student Bryan Lowe, 16

HUNDREDS of blue and gold balloons were released at an emotional remembrance service for Bryan Lowe who was killed in a hit-and-run collision on the Limerick-Clare border.

The 16-year-old student in St Munchin’s College died following a fatal collision in Clonlara at around 11pm on Friday.

The teenager (pictured below) was riding an e-bike at the time. A second vehicle involved in the incident failed to remain at the scene.

A vigil took place in the car park of the church in Westbury on Sunday. One of those in attendance was local TD, Deputy Cathal Crowe.

“There were around 250 to 300 people, mostly his friends, his peer group, his family who are absolutely grief stricken, and then neighbours like myself and others to show solidarity and try and comfort the family but there are no words of comfort.

“This is just devastating. There are a lot of really young people just raw with grief. It is so upsetting. I think the fact that it is a hit-and-run and it is the run part that people cannot fathom. It's a crime,” said Mr Crowe, who was speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

“What we are hearing loud and clear from people is they want to be able to grieve but there is a very active garda investigation underway which we are really urging people to cooperate with, to share information with, someone is really culpable here and they need to be taken in,” he continued.

Mr Crowe said some of the Lowe family at the remembrance service.

“They were just raw with grief. His friend and family let off hundreds of blue and gold balloons and some of his favourite music was played.

“What I think is really important at the moment is that people would come forward with information. There's all sorts of mutterings about where this car came from, where it went afterwards but if people have any knowledge, small or large, they need to come to gardai,” said Mr Crowe.

In a post on his social media accounts, the TD said it has been a heartbreaking weekend for the family of Bryan, rest in peace.

“This morning he should be heading off with a bag in his back to St Munchin’s College but instead his distraught family are making arrangements for his funeral.

“I have met many young locals, neighbours and some past pupils of mine in the past 48 hours. They too are traumatised by what has taken place.

“Whilst Bryan’s family mourn, I think it’s important for all of us to call this for what it is - murder - this wasn’t an ‘unfortunate accident’.

“Anyone who knows any details about Friday night, in particular who was driving / travelling as passengers within the Skoda Octavia 05-C-5982, needs to immediately speak with Gardaí. CCTV and dash-cam footage is also essential,” wrote Mr Crowe.