A major search operation was launched on Thursday after gardai received reports of a person falling into the River Finn at Drumboe Woods shortly before 5:40
Conor Temple sadly passed on Thursday
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to “a beautiful boy” who died in a drowning tragedy in Co Donegal.
Gardai and the emergency services were called to Drumboe Woods, Stranorlar, at around 5.40pm on Thursday, following reports of a person entering the River Finn.
A search operation was launched and involved the Coast Guard Rescue 118 helicopter.
The young boy was taken from the water and brought to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
He has since been named as 13-year-old Conor Temple from Cavan Lower in the Killygordon area of Donegal
A death notice shared on RIP.ie said Conor died as a result of a “tragic accident”, and described the youngster as the “beloved son of Clare and Aidan, much loved brother to Aoibhin and Matthew, cherished grandson of Carmel and Laurence, and the late Bridget and Pat”.
Local TD Charles Ward said he was “deeply saddened” at the tragedy as he offered his condolences to Conor’s family as they ” face such unimaginable grief”.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Conor Temple,” he said in a statement.
“The death of a young person is beyond words, and my heart goes out to his family as they face such unimaginable grief.
“Having met members of his family, this loss feels especially close to my heart. My thoughts are with them all during this incredibly difficult time.”
Conor attended Little Angels Special School in Letterkenny, which is dedicated to providing a holistic education that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of their students.
The school shared a video of Conor with one of his SNAs taken earlier this week as they paid an emotional tribute to the teenager.
“In the midst of all the madness that is Christmas in a school we have been stopped in our tracks. Life has grabbed hold of our collar and has shown us once more who is boss. Manners have been put on us.” said a spokesperson for the school.
“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!
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“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!”
The moving social media post was met with an outpouring of support, with a number of people sharing their own tributes to Conro online.
“I am so heartbroken for Conor’s family and friends. A beautiful boy taken too soon,” one person said. “Praying for his family, that they find strength during the difficult days ahead. May you rest peacefully in the arms of the angels. Forever 13
Another added: “I am so sorry for your loss. Such a tragic accident to such a beautiful boy. May he as an angel watch over you and extended families and know that his beautiful smile and memories of him will stay with you forever. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
While a third mourner said: “There are no words that can ease the pain of losing your beautiful special son Conor. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you be given strength when you need it most, and moments of peace when they come. I am holding you and your family in my heart during this unimaginable time. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”
Conor will lie in repose at his residence from 12pm until 9pm on Saturday. He will be laid to rest following Requiem Mass in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar, at 11am on Sunday.
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