FAI to assist inquiry into schoolboy's death

Football Association of Ireland chief executive Mr Fran Rooney tonight promised full support for an investigation into how a …

Football Association of Ireland chief executive Mr Fran Rooney tonight promised full support for an investigation into how a young boy was killed when goal posts fell on him.

Mr Rooney offered his condolences to the family of 10-year-old Andrew Fitzgerald following the accident in Limerick yesterday.

"No one can say anything at a time like this which adequately expresses the sadness we all feel at the tragic loss of a child," he said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the parents, family and friends of Andrew who was a great lover of football.

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"The Football Association of Ireland will be providing every assistance to the investigation into the accident by the Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority."

Andrew, of Old Road, Grange, Co Limerick, died when goalposts collapsed on him
at Holycross Soccer Club in Grange near Bruff, Co Limerick.

The youngster was taking part in a penalty shoot-out competition as part of a summer soccer camp when a gust of wind blew over the net covering attached to the goalposts and brought down the crossbar.

It is understood the boy received serious injuries to his head and upper body in the accident, which occurred less than a mile from his family's home.

A local doctor attended the scene but Andrew was taken to Limerick Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An only child, Andrew was due to celebrate his 11th birthday next week.

The gardai and Health and Safety Authority are investigating the accident.