Hundreds of students formed a guard of honour on the Greek Island of Ios today, as the bodies of the two Irish teenagers who died at the weekend were taken to Athens for post-mortems.
Andrew O'Donnell and Max Wall, both aged 18, were celebrating the end of their Leaving Certificate with up to 90 classmates from St Michael's College in Ballsbridge in Dublin.
Andrew went missing after a night out on Friday and his body was found on rocky ground on Sunday.
Hours later, Max was found unconscious near the harbour and died. He had previously had heart issues.
It is believed that up to 1,000 people, including classmates, friends and students from other schools lined the port as a mark of respect today as the remains were taken to the ferry.
A former president of St Michael's College Union, Tom McCormack, said around 60 classmates then travelled to Athens with the coffins along with the families of the teenagers.
He said there are also members of the parents’ association with the group offering support.
Yellow roses were placed on the coffins, to symbolise friendship, before the remains were taken onto the ferry.
Mr McCormack said some students had returned from Greece last night and attended a prayer service in the school chapel at midday today.
A second service will be held at 6pm and streamed live online.
A book of condolence for each of the teenagers has been opened at St Michael’s College and floral tributes have been laid at the gates of the school.
