Shock over sad passing of young student Hannah

WEXFORD TOWN fell silent in grief and shock last week when sixth year student, Hannah Kelly, was laid to rest on Friday afternoon.

The daughter of Pat and the late Anne Kelly, Hannah, from Leinster Terrace, King Street, passed away on Monday week last.

She was a sixth year student in the Presentation Secondary School.

School principal William Ryan issued a statement on Tuesday morning in relation to sad passing, saying: ‘This is a terrible tragedy for Hannah’s family, our school and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Hannah’s family and friends.’

He added: ‘Hannah Kelly was a sixth year student and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We remember her as a quiet, friendly, dedicated, hard-working student. All of Hannah’s teachers have spoken extremely highly of her since her passing.’

He said the school had been in contact with Hannah’s family who had asked for privacy. Offers of support, he said, had been pouring in and were greatly appreciated.

‘Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and our own Guidance team and school counsellor have been with us [all day] supporting and advising teachers in their efforts to assist our students at this time.’

He added that the teachers had been helping the students to deal with the tragic event, while the school was open to parents to support them and offer advice and guidance.

Hannah’s place of work, O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar in Redmond Square, remained closed on Friday as a mark of respect to the young student.

In a statement on social media, they said: ‘It is with a very, very heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beautiful work colleague and good friend Hannah today. We are going to miss your big smile so, so much in O’Brien’s. Sleep tight our beautiful angel.’

Hannah is survived by her father Pat, her brother Frank, uncles, aunts, relatives and friends.