‘Dark cloud’ hangs over West Roscommon community following tragic death of 12-year-old boy
Eoin Doyle played for Cloonfad United at U-12 level and was in Sixth Class at Cloonfad National School. Pic: Cloonfad United
A dark cloud has gathered over the West Roscommon village of Cloonfad and surrounding areas following the tragic death of Cloonfad United U-12 player Eoin Doyle, a Sixth Class pupil at Cloonfad National School.
Eoin, from Gurrane, Ballyhaunis, lost his life when the car in which he was a passenger was involved in a collision with a train near Ballyhaunis on Thursday night.
This evening Cloonfad United, in a statement, said: “Once again a dark cloud has gathered over our club and the local community. It was just incomprehensible when word broke early this morning of the tragic passing of Cloonfad United U-12 player Eoin Doyle.
"Eoin has been with our club since the U-7 grade and only last Tuesday evening played his usual all action display in the Cloonfad midfield in Kilkerrin as the team secured a playoff for the league title. He also scored a number of goals for the team this season including a couple of spectacular long range efforts.
“A tremendous athlete with terrific energy he also had a rare skill nowadays of being a putting a clean and precise tackle. Eoin also represented the RDYSL interleague side on a few occasions and was already planning to get back to academy training and matches over the coming months.
“His teammates and management are heartbroken as are all within our club. Eoin 's mother Elaine was one of the driving forces behind girls’ football in the club over the past few years with his father Declan always on hand to help with training sessions and matches.
"We send our deepest condolences to the Doyle and Corcoran families,” said the club.
All club activities have now been postponed until further notice as a mark of respect.
Meanwhile, the principal of Cloonfad National School Shane Morgan said: “The Cloonfad NS community and the wider Cloonfad/ Ballyhaunis area are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our Sixth Class pupil Eoin Doyle.
“We extend heartfelt condolences to his twin sister, Saoirse and step brother, Conor, his parents Declan and Elaine and the wider Doyle and Corcoran families.
“Eoin was a friendly and kind child. He was a talented artist and athlete, who loved music and a smile was never far from his face. Eoin will be dearly missed by his friends, and all the pupils and staff of Cloonfad NS. Eoin's family, neighbours and the community at large are in our thoughts and prayers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May Eoin rest in peace.”
Ballyhaunis GAA Club said that "Eoin was a much loved member of our underage teams, a talented young footballer and, above all, a wonderful young boy who was a great friend and teammate to so many within our club.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Eoin’s parents, Declan and Elaine, his twin sister Saoirse, his step-brother Conor, his grandparents Pat and Marguerite Doyle and Ger and Mary Corcoran, his uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends, and all those who knew and loved him.
"We are also thinking especially of Eoin’s teammates, coaches and friends within the club at this incredibly difficult time.
Eoin will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by everyone at Ballyhaunis GAA," said the club.
A Book of Condolence for Eoin will open in the clubhouse from 12 noon tomorrow, Saturday.
Eoin is survived by his heartbroken parents, Declan & Elaine (née Corcoran) and his twin sister, Saoirse, step-brother Conor, grandparents, Pat & Marguerite Doyle and Ger & Mary Corcoran, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives & friends.
Reposing at Donnellan's Funeral Home, Clare St, Ballyhaunis on Monday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Funeral will arrive to St. Patrick's Church, Cloonfad on Tuesday for Funeral Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in Ballyhaunis Cemetery.
