Limerick school opens this Sunday after student killed in hit-and-run

A COUNTY Limerick school has opened its doors this Sunday to support students affected by the tagic loss of Rory O’Connor in a hit-and-run collision.

The Athea teenager was pronounced deceased at the scene in Listowel in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Rory. who had just turned 17, was a popular fifth year student in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef in Abbeyfeale.

Principal Liam Murphy, in a statement, said it is with great sadness that they learned of the death of Rory.

“Our thoughts go to the bereaved family at this difficult time. The school’s Critical Incident Team is co-ordinating the school response,” said Mr Murphy.

The school has opened this Sunday from 12pm to 3 pm to support grieving students.

“School management, student support team, guidance counselling, pastoral care team and National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) are in the school today

“We are working with all the relevant agencies. The care of all our school community remains as always our utmost priority,” said Mr Murphy.

All students are welcome to attend.

Abbeyfeale-based councillor Liam Galvin said he knows Rory’s parents very, very well.

“I was at the races (Listowel) yeserday and there was a cloud over it. The tragedy was the topic of conversation on everyone’s tongue. The people of Athea, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale are just devastated because this guy was one of the nicest young fellows you could ever meet.

“It is such a loss and a tragedy. People are heartbroken today. There are so many affected by this, his two parents and immediate family - what can you say to them only that we’re thinking of them and we’re praying for them,” said Cllr Galvin.