Tributes have been paid to a 17-year-old who died after he was struck by a van in Co Kery.
Rory O'Connor, who was from Athea in Co Limerick, was pronounced dead after he was struck by a van on the main Tarbert road at Dromin Upper on the outskirts of Listowel shortly after 3am on Saturday morning.
Rory, a fifth-year student at Coláiste Íde agus Iosef in Abbeyfeale, turned 17 on Friday. He celebrated his birthday with his friends at Listowel Races and was making his way home to Athea when the incident took place.
In a statement today, the school described him as a cherished and valued student who will be deeply missed by the entire school community and by his wide circle of friends.
College Principal Liam Murphy said Rory was a warm, kind and positive presence, and the school community had learned of his death with great sadness.
"Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to Rory's family and friends at this difficult time," Mr Murphy said in a statement to RTÉ News.
He said the college’s Critical Incident Management Team is co-ordinating the school response. School management, student support team, guidance counselling, pastoral care team along with LCETB and the National Educational Psychological Service have been in the school over the last two days to offer support to all students.
"We are working with all the relevant agencies. The care and support of all our school community remain as always our utmost priority," Mr Murphy said.
A 37-year-old man has been before the district court in Cork charged in connection with the fatal hit and run.
