Heartbreak at death of Offaly boy (11)

The community of Ballycumber and the wider Midlands' region is in mourning this week after the unexpected passing of 11-year-old Bobby Dunne.

A pupil at Boher National School, Bobby, of Grogan, Ballycumber, died in the loving company of his family at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, on Saturday last, May 2.

Tributes have been pouring in since the passing of the local boy, who was predeceased by his cherished grandad, Liam Dunne.

In a statement after the terrible news of Bobby's death, Ballycumber GAA Club said: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to Brian and Annalene Dunne, his brother Jack and to the Dunne and Tyrrell families on the death of 11-year-old Bobby Dunne.

"Bobby was a pupil at Boher NS and will be missed by his school friends and teachers. Bobby's Dad, Brian and uncle Kenneth were very valuable players on our teams during their playing careers."

As a mark of respect to the Dunne family, all Ballycumber GAA club activities at the weekend were cancelled and the tricolour was flown at half mast.

An under 10/11 football blitz arranged for Saturday morning was called off, and the club thanked the other clubs involved for their cooperation. St Manchan's ladies also postponed their fundraising walk/run on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Midland Warriors RFC, meanwhile, also expressed its deepest and sincere sympathies to the family of Bobby Dunne at this "extremely sad" time.

The club said that Bobby was a nephew to ex-player Ross Tyrell, and a cousin of senior women’s player Caitlin Dunne, and youth girls' player Megan Kelly.

In his death notice on RIP.ie, Bobby's heartbroken family said he was "predeceased by his cherished grandad Liam Dunne, who will welcome him with open arms".

Bobby was the adored and dearly loved son of Annalene and Brian, and much-loved little brother of Jack, treasured grandson of Mick and Jackie Tyrrell and Gemma Dunne. He was the deeply loved nephew of Ross (Jill), Kenneth (Laura), Sandra (Patrick, Rip.) and Billy.

He will be sadly missed and forever loved by his cousins Fianna, Liam, Caitlin, Christian, Megan, Cillian, Lennie, and Rowen, extended family, neighbours and school friends and staff in Boher NS.

Bobby's funeral Mass took place in St Manchan's Church, Boher, on Tuesday.

May he rest in peace.