The teenager killed in Sunday morning’s car crash in Carlow has been described by his school as a “very popular third-year student” who will be greatly missed.
Eamon Kavanagh (16) died at the scene when the car he was driving crashed into a wall near The Nine Stones at Mount Leinster close to his home in Borris, Co Carlow.
In a statement Borris Vocational School said his death was a "terrible tragedy for the family".
The statement added: “We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Eamon’s parents, brothers and sister, their wider family and many friends.
“We have been in contact with his family and they have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this difficult time.”
The school has implemented its critical incident management plan and psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service have been assisting and advising staff.
The statement concluded: “The staff will be helping students to deal with this tragic event. The school will be open to parents to support them and to offer them advice and guidance. We would ask you to respect our privacy at this time.”
Tributes were also paid to Eamon Kavanagh by Carlow Rose Shauna Ray Lacey who posted on her Facebook page: "Awful news. Thoughts and prayers to this little guy and the other passengers".
Four other teenagers were in the car at the time. They are being treated at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny and Waterford University Hospital. One remains in a critical condition in Dublin's Mater hospital.
The teenager who died is the son of a farming couple, who faced sentencing the courts last Friday in a high-profile animal cruelty case. James Kavanagh (48) was given a three-year prison term after pleading guilty to 30 counts of causing or allowing animal cruelty on his property at Raheenleigh, Myshall in April, 2015. The charges related to 63 different animals. He was disqualified from owning horses or dogs for life.
Jennifer Kavanagh was given a 12-month suspended sentence after she admitted 30 counts of allowing animal cruelty on the property, relating to 15 specific animals. She was banned from owning dogs or horses for 15 years.
