Harry Byrne, 13, from Gowran, a town of County Kilkenny, Ireland, passed away Tuesday after his head was hit with a sliotar while playing with his friends at St Kieran's College.
Byrne was rushed to the St Luke's General Hospital during lunchtime, where he was announced dead after collapsing at his school due to being struck by a sliotar on the head. A sliotar is a hard and solid ball larger than a tennis ball, used in hurling, which caused huge damage to Bryne.
The whole school community and friends of the family expressed their shock at what happened to the young boy. Byrne's parents, Fergal and Annette, were devastated, "Our dear Harry left us suddenly and unexpectedly. Predeceased by his grandfather James."
The school mourned their student's death with deep regret. St Kieran's College issued a statement about the tragedy, "The accident occurred while the students were playing normally. This is a terrible tragedy for his family, friends, parish and all in our school community. You will understand the need for privacy at this time."
In the school's statement, it is also said that psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service will be present to support and advise teachers to care for and help the students.
Byrne, a first-year student, had recently tried out for the Kilkenny County hurling development team. He was perceived as having "a big future" with the team. Denis Hynes, who coached Byrne at Bridge United football club in Goresbridge, told The Journal, "Harry was one of these chaps who was just full of energy. He played in goal for us and wasn't a bad little keeper." The coach described Byrne's love for hurling, and shared how he had the potential to become one of the top players for the team.
Hynes narrated how Byrne showed a great future ahead of him. The young boy's dream was to play for the Kilkenny hurling team. Byrne's local hurling club, Young Irelands, canceled all activities after their teammate's death.
His funeral will be held at the Church of the Assumption, Gowran, Friday morning, then the burial in the adjoining cemetery will be available to attend virtually.
