‘Amazing little boy’ killed in road accident remembered at Stormont

An “amazing little boy” who died in a road tragedy in Co Down has been remembered at Stormont.

John Doole, 11, from Kilkeel, died following an incident near his home last Tuesday.

DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe told MLAs on Monday that the local community remains “numb and in shock”.

She commended those involved with his funeral at Mourne Presbyterian Church as “having done him proud”, and said her prayers are with his family.

“John was an amazing little boy. Lived his very best life in Kilkeel with his bright blonde hair and his big blue eyes twinkling,” she said in a tearful tribute.

“Every day, he brought fun and joy to every person he met. He loved his family, the farm of his daddy, playing with his friends, and he was a bundle of energy.

“I had the pleasure of John entering my life as he went through Kilkeel Nursery School and Kilkeel Primary School, alongside my son. He was his dearly loved friend.

“John was kind, he as loving, he was so, so smart, thoughtful, funny and charming. A much beloved friend in the P7 class.

“As they look forward to starting high school together this September, they are devastated, as is the whole school family, and they all did him so proud at the funeral on Friday.

“A huge void has been left, and it is hard to understand … any of this, it has touched the hearts of parents and families right across Northern Ireland.

“The child is beyond measure. Tragedy can strike at any time, John was an angel in his too short time on earth, and is an angel now in Heaven, looking down on those who loved.”

She urged prayers for John’s family, and hailed his sister Katie who she said is now campaigning for changes to help stop others going through some of their pain.

“I support them on this and hope others in the House can,” she added.

“Mr Speaker, as we pray for this family and the Mourne community, I just put on record in his short time John made such an impact, left so many marks on the hearts of many people, and I want to put on record in this Assembly my thanks for the precious life of little John Doole. Always immensely loved, will always be remembered.”