THE Little Angels school in Letterkenny has paid tribute to pupil Conor Temple, whose death, the school said, has stopped everyone in their tracks.
Conor (13), of Cavan Lower, Killygordon, passed away yesterday evening after he was involved in a tragic accident.
Gardaí and a number of other emergency services attended the scene of the tragedy shortly before 5.40pm on Thursday, after receiving reports of a person entering the River Finn at Drumboe Woods.
The young boy was taken from the water and brought to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Conor attended Little Angels in Letterkenny and in a beautiful tribute, the school described how Conor had been in such good form this past week.
The tribute read:
“It is often said that we don’t know the day or the hour that we will be called. We are told to be prepared and perhaps most of us keep going in the belief that it won’t be today.
“Our kids in LA don’t need to prepare. They have nothing to do to get ready. They have no apologies to make, no forgiveness to beg.
“Conor had a fantastic week in school. He was more affectionate than usual, seeking out hugs and tickles from his teacher and SNAs. He was enjoying the abundance of chocolate which comes with Christmas – he had no fear of calories or tooth decay!
“He even put aside his objection to a crowd and tolerated the excitement of his peers in order to make a rare trip into the new building to meet the big man yesterday.
“In other words, he was living his best life!
“It’s ironic that a rocket was the analogy used at a previous funeral to describe the speed with which our children made their way up above. Conor spoke of a Rocket to Barney, his SNA, several times over the past week.
“It’s almost as if he was comforting us in advance of his leaving us. Letting us know he was happy!
“Conor was loved beyond words by his mum and dad and by his siblings. He was adored by them and by his extended family.
“His usual walk with his mum last evening was to be his last. His destination when they left home was not the one Claire had in mind.
“We don’t need to pray that he will get there. He is there.
“Our prayers today are for Conor’s family at home and at school but especially for Clare, Aidan, Aoibhin and Matthew.
“Rest in peace Conor. You will be sorely missed.”
Conor’s remains will be reposing at his late residence tomorrow, Saturday, December 20 from 12 noon to 9 pm.
His funeral will leave his late residence on Sunday, December 21 at 10.20am for requiem Mass in the Church of Mary Immaculate Stranorlar at 11am.
