Community in shock as boy, 15, is killed in tractor crash
PEOPLE from a rural parish in Offaly have been left ‘speechless’ after a 15-yearold boy was killed when the tractor he was driving crashed into a deep drain.
Tributes have been paid to third-year student Shane Hickey, who died after the crash occurred on Thursday night at Black Castle Bog near Clonmore.
A source said the teen, from the village of Rhode, may have been trying to avoid something on the road when his tractor toppled into an adjacent drain.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and discovered Shane underneath the vehicle.
The teenager was taken to Tullamore Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Yesterday, Garda forensic collision investigators examined the scene of the accident and the local coroner has been notified over the tragedy.
Grief-stricken locals from Rhode described Shane as a ‘talented rugby and football player’ with a charismatic personality. Shane’s school, St Mary’s in Edenderry, Co. Offaly expressed its condolences to the 15-year-old’s family.
‘We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our third-year student, Shane Hickey,’ it said in a statement.
‘We extend our thoughts and prayers to his parents Paula and Richard, and brothers Alex and Evan. May Shane’s gentle soul rest in peace.’
Shane’s former primary school, Scoil Bhríde, said: ‘It is with great sadness that we heard this morning of the very untimely and tragic passing of one of our former pupils, Shane Hickey.
‘We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Shane’s dad Richard, to his mam Paula, and to his brothers Alex and Evan.’
Sports coach Mark Young, posted on social media that it was ‘such a pleasure’ to have coached Shane.
He added: ‘You are a credit to your parents Richard and Paula and an idol to your brothers Alex and Evan. You will be greatly missed, Shane.’
Offaly senior footballer Jordan Hayes, who is from the same club as Shane, posted: ‘Life can be so cruel, rest in peace Shane.’ And Green Party senator Pippa Hackett said the local community is grief-stricken.
‘The tragic death of Shane Hickey in north Offaly last night is devastating for his family, neighbours and friends,’ said Senator Hackett.
‘The loss of one so young, with so much life to live, sends shock waves through the whole community. My deepest condolences to Shane’s parents, brothers, grandparents, extended family and friends, and to the school community of St Mary’s secondary school, Edenderry.’
Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, also offered condolences, saying: ‘Prayers and thoughts with Shane’s family and the entire school community at this very sad time.’
Offaly county councillor Robert McDermott told the Irish Daily Mail that the sudden tragedy is a dark day for the parish.
‘The community has been left speechless and is in total shock at what happened,’ he said.
‘I knew Shane from when he played rugby. He was a very talented player and a true leader on the pitch. Everyone is just so upset and my thoughts and prayers go to his family.’
Details of Shane’s funeral have been confirmed. A notice on rip.ie states that the popular teen will be ‘forever missed by his heartbroken family’. The notice reads: ‘Beloved son of Paula and Richard, Shane will be forever missed by his heartbroken family; his parents, brothers Alex and Evan, grandparents Josie and Eddie (McKeon) and Noel and Marie (Hickey), aunts, uncles, cousins, his girlfriend Holly, extended family and a large circle of friends.’
Shane’s remains will be reposing at his home tomorrow from 1pm to 7pm, and his funeral Mass will take place the following day, Monday, at 2pm in St Mary’s Church, Edenderry.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the accident to come forward, and any road user with video footage, including dash cam, is asked to make this available to them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
‘You are a credit to your parents’