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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Nicola Donnelly

Funerals for Irish teens who died in Greece announced as grieving families share heartache

The funerals of the two teens who died on the Greek island of Ios are to take place next week - two days apart.

Max Wall, 18, died within 24 hours of his pal Andrew O’Donnell, also 18, in separate incidents last weekend on the island.

Both teens were former students of St Michael’s College in Ballsbridge and were on a post-Leaving Certificate holiday with a large group of their school pals when their tragic deaths happened.

On Wednesday, initial results from the post mortems on the two teens revealed Andrew died from a fall while Max’s death was attributed to cardiac problems. Max had a history of heart issues for which he had previously undergone surgery.

Read More: Cause of death confirmed for two Leaving Cert students in Greece holiday tragedy

However, the full toxicology and post mortem results are not expected to be read for at least a week.

Both Max and Andrew’s heartbroken families have now announced their funeral arrangements on RIP.ie.

Max’s grieving parents Niall and Fiona and brother Charlie stated in Max’s death notice on RIP.ie “It is with immense sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of our beloved Max, who was taken from us and this world far too soon.

“The world has lost a little colour,” the notice read.

“Max, with a larger than life personality brought great joy to the lives of his family and friends and everyone he came in contact with. During his short time, he faced numerous challenges with great courage and bravery and always maintained his most positive sunny fun filled self,” the notice continued.

The notice states Max, to the unimaginable grief of his parents Niall & Fiona, adored bigger brother Charlie, grandson of Nuala Wall and Carl Laverty will be deeply missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends especially those in St Michael’s College.

Reposing at his home on Sunday from 3pm to 7pm, his funeral Mass will take place on Monday in The Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin 4 at 11am.

His burial will take place at Kilternan Cemetery Park afterwards.

Meanwhile, Andrew’s grieving parents Bebhinn and Gavin and brother Rory stated in his death notice: “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Andrew who departed from this world far too soon. “Andrew passed away unexpectedly leaving behind a void that can never be filled.

“Andrew brought immense joy to the lives of his family, friends, and all who knew him.

“He possessed a vibrant spirit, a kind heart, and a sense of humour that brightened the darkest of days. He was known for his passion for sports, his footballing talents, his charming demeanour, and his love for his two golden retrievers, Marnie & Maisie.

“He was unfailingly loyal to his friends and relatives, in Ireland and England, and touched the lives of so many during his short time with us, including those he shared experiences with at St. Matthew’s National School, St. Michael’s College Secondary School, Old Belvedere RFC and Belmont FC.”

“Andrew, to the inexpressible grief of his parents Bebhinn (née Dunne) and Gavin, adored older brother of Rory and beloved grandson of Frances and John (RIP) Dunne, and Avril and Joe (RIP) O’Donnell, he will be deeply missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins (Irish and English), relatives and a wide circle of friends (especially the Leaving Cert Class of 2023),” the notice continued.

Andrew will be reposing in Massey Bros Funeral Home in Blackrock on Tuesday from 2pm to 5pm. His funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday at 11am in The Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 followed by a private family cremation.

Meanwhile, a Greek prosecutor has ordered the preliminary investigation to establish whether adulterated alcohol - where nightclubs spike their drinks with lower-quality product or industrial spirit - could have contributed to the teens’ deaths.

And as part of the investigation, samples from alcoholic drinks sold in all bars and clubs on the island were taken and sent to a chemical laboratory on the island of Syros for analysis, the Irish Times reports.

This investigation, according to a district prosecutor, is standard procedure.

In February this year, for example, 18 Greek students were hospitalised in Patras after drinking adulterated alcohol during the port city’s celebrations.

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