THE BOY killed in a farm incident in Co Donegal at the weekend was due to begin his last year in primary school this year.
Jamie Toner died when he became trapped under a tractor at his uncle’s farm in Glenvar, Kerrykeel, on Saturday afternoon.
He was rushed to Letterkenny General Hospital where surgeons battled to save his life, but he died a short time later.
The 11-year-old was a popular pupil at Stramore National School at Glendowan on the outskirts of the village of Churchill.
A spokeswoman for the school’s board of management said they were devastated by Jamie’s death.
“He was a bright and popular lad and never caused his teachers one minute of bother. It’s so hard to take in that 79 pupils left to go on their summer holidays and now there are only 78 of them out there. It’s impossible to take in that Jamie won’t be coming back in September,” she said.
Last night, Jamie’s heartbroken parents Roisin and James, and older sister Lynn, from Cruckraw, Churchill, were being comforted by family and friends.
Local county councillor Ciaran Brogan said he knew Jamie’s parents well and they were highly regarded and respected in the local community.
“It’s just terrible that this has happened and to such a nice and highly respected family. It’s tragic and there is no other word for it. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with them at this very trying time,” he said.
Local priest Fr Michael McKeever of St Colmcille’s Church, where prayers were offered for Jamie yesterday morning, said everyone in the community was numb at his sudden loss.
“All we can do now is to pray for Roisin, James and Lynn at this time. The community is doing their best to help them in any way they can but it is a very difficult time for all,” he said.
The Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the circumstances.
Funeral details have yet to be announced.