Conor Flynn & Jack Halpin

JOHN MUIR HOSPITAL, WALNUT CREEK

JUST over 17 miles from the site of the horrific accident, the families of Conor Flynn and Jack Halpin were holding a bedside vigil for their children who were seriously injured.

Conor (22) attended DIT and prayers were offered at a service in the college yesterday for him and his friend and fellow student Eoghan Culligan, who died in the tragedy.

Conor, from Mount Merrion, Dublin, was a second year marketing student.

His sister Erin thanked her family and friends for “their amazing support and touching messages”.

“I am so, so thankful that my brother Conor was one of the lucky ones,” she wrote on social media.

Conor often attended Bushy Park Rangers football games where he cheered on his friends Eoghan Culligan, Niccolai Schuster and Jack Halpin, who were all caught up in the tragedy.

Mount Merrion Youths Football Club also expressed their support for Conor, who played with the club several years ago.

“Our thoughts and prayers and support go to Conor, his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” the club said.

Tributes also flowed for Jack Halpin (21) who has been hailed as a hero in the wake of the tragedy.

The St Jude’s footballer sustained two broken legs and is also being treated for back injuries. The UCD graduate attempted to break the fall of Clodagh Cogley by grabbing her during the incident.

Dublin GAA fan club the ‘Hill 16 Army’ said that his actions were the “perfect example” of his heroic nature.

“We take our hats off to Jack for his heroic bravery and our thoughts and prayers are with the students and their families that they all make a swift recovery,” they added.