Tributes have been paid to a 15-year-old boy who died in a quad bike accident in Co Laois on Easter Sunday.
David Brown from Portlaoise has been named locally as the teenager who passed away in the tragic accident that took place at around 2pm on Easter Sunday in a wooded area close to the village of Emo in the county.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but sadly David had been found with fatal injuries.
Read more: West Belfast man's tribute to wife after breast cancer diagnosis
Gardaí confirmed on Sunday evening that a teenage boy died in the tragedy and a full investigation is underway.
David was a keen sportsperson and he had represented Laois in the Celtic Challenge hurling competition on Saturday, April 8 against Kildare as well as all levels with Portlaoise GAA.
He was also a member of the Laois minor hurling panel that defeated Antrim on Friday.
David's brother Conor who is a member of the Laois senior football panel that defeated Wexford on Sunday.
His father James is a well-known local painting contractor and member of Laois Fire Services.
David is survived by his parents James, mother Carmel, brother Conor and sister Sarah.
David was also a Third Year student in Portlaoise CBS where he represented both their football and hurling teams.
In a statement, the school said: "As a school community, we are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of our much loved, charming and vibrant 3rd year student, David Brown.
"David was a promising student who was diligent in our classrooms, brightened our corridors and excelled in representing our school teams. His fearless nature was apparent in our recent school skiing trip to Italy, where once again, his bravery showed no boundaries. His respectful manner never went unnoticed by teachers and coaches alike.
"To James, Carmel, Sarah and our own Conor - we are so sorry for your immense loss. Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you and your extended families.
"Although it is very difficult to process this, we must support each other in the times ahead. To David and Conor’s classmates, team-mates and friends, please stay close over the coming days.
"May there be comfort in knowing someone so special will never be forgotten."
Portlaoise GAA has said that David was "already a hero in the eyes of many" and the club id "heartbroken beyonds words" following his death.
It said: "We are heartbroken beyond words. David was one of our very best and brightest. In football and in hurling. For club and for county. Vibrant, fearless, skilful, determined, proud - a shining star on every team he played for. Brilliant attitude and manners, always respectful to his coaches and his teammates, always willing to listen and to learn.
"Already a hero in the eyes of so many of our youngest, David was a cast iron prospect for the future of our senior teams. It is difficult to process this. We will do our best to support each other over the times ahead.
"James, Carmel, Conor, Sarah - we are so sorry for your immense loss. We share your profound grief. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and the extended Brown and Maloney families.
"To David’s many friends, team-mates, coaches, parents of friends…please stay close and connected over the coming days.
"RIP David. Forever young. Forever a Star."
READ NEXT:
NI man's monthly fundraising challenges for Marie Curie in memory of loved ones
Woman who went to doctor with menopause symptoms left 'numb' by brain tumour diagnosis
- 'She believed in goodness': Tributes after death of NI mental health nurse
NI woman on finding comfort in Hospice Walks after losing her parents
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
