Norma Foley pays tribute to schoolboy fatally injured in crash

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The “gorgeous smile and kindness” of 10-year-old Dylan Coady Coleman has been remembered by his school following his tragic death.

The schoolboy died in hospital days after being injured in a road crash in Co Clare.

Dylan, who was a pedestrian, was injured in an incident involving a van at Purcell Park, Shannon, on Sunday.

He was initially taken to University Hospital Limerick and was later transferred to Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin.

The primary school Dylan attended said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.

In a post on its website, St Tola’s National School in Shannon said: “Dylan’s gorgeous smile and kindness endeared him to all in our school community. He was a very popular member of 4th class and will be greatly missed by everyone here in St Tola’s.

“On behalf of everyone in St Tola’s, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Dylan’s parents Laura and Garry, his sister Zoe, his baby brother Shane, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and his wide circle of friends here in St Tola’s and in the wider Shannon community.

“Our focus here in St Tola’s is supporting our pupils now and in the weeks ahead. We have had support from the National Educational Psychological Service who have been available in the school this week to advise staff as they support our pupils.

“We will always treasure the fond memories we have of Dylan and his time in our school. He will always be a member of our school community.”

Minister for Education Norma Foley extended her sympathy to Dylan’s family and the Shannon community.

In a statement, she said: “Dylan was a much-loved and treasured member of his school community and will be greatly missed by his fellow pupils, by the staff, board of management and all who knew him.

“At the school at this sad and difficult time, the well-being of the students, staff and whole school community is of paramount importance.

“NEPS (National Educational Psychological Service) psychologists are engaging with the school and will be available to provide whatever support is required.”

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to the crash.

A man aged in his 20s was arrested in connection with the incident and later released.