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Gardaí are investigating the death of 15-year-old David Brown in a quad bike incident in Co Laois on Easter Sunday.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene at a wooded area near Ballyshanduff, Ballybrittas, Co Laois shortly after 2pm. The incident occurred at about 1.30pm and involved a quad bike with two males on board, gardaí said.
The victim was subsequently named as David Brown from Portlaoise, Co Laois. A second teenager was brought to Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening, gardaí said.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information or camera footage is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda station on 0578674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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The boy who died is from a well-known family from Portlaoise. He had represented Laois in the Celtic Challenge hurling competition on Saturday against Kildare, and represented Portlaoise GAA. He was also a member of the Laois minor hurling panel that defeated Antrim on Friday.
David is survived by his parents, James and Carmel, brother Conor and sister Sarah. He was a third-year student in St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise where he represented the school’s football and hurling teams. The school paid tribute to David on its app and offered their condolences to his family.
Funeral details on rip.ie read: “Brown David. Heathfields, Dublin Rd, Portlaoise. Died tragically following an accident on Easter Sunday. (Aged 15).
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“Deeply regretted by his devastated and heartbroken parents, James and Carmel (nee Maloney Vicarstown). Big brother Conor, and little sister Princess Sarah. Uncles, aunts, cousins. And his many friends in Portlaoise GAA, Laois GAA, St Mary’s CBS, and The Heath National School. David will repose at home.”
In a statement, Portlaoise GAA Club said: “We are heartbroken beyond words. David was one of our very best and brightest. In football and in hurling. For club and for county. Vibrant, fearless, skilful, determined, proud – a shining star on every team he played for. Brilliant attitude and manners, always respectful to his coaches and his team-mates, always willing to listen and to learn.
“Already a hero in the eyes of so many of our youngest, David was a cast-iron prospect for the future of our senior teams. It is difficult to process this. We will do our best to support each other over the times ahead.
“James, Carmel, Conor, Sarah – we are so sorry for your immense loss. We share your profound grief. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and the extended Brown and Maloney families.
“To David’s many friends, team-mates, coaches, parents of friends... please stay close and connected over the coming days.
“RIP David. Forever young. Forever a Star. Funeral arrangements to follow.”