A 10-year-old boy who died in hospital following a road crash in Co Clare on Sunday has been described as a "much loved" pupil with a "gorgeous smile" and a "kind heart" that endeared him to everyone.
Dylan Coady Coleman was struck by a van at Purcell Road in Shannon on Sunday afternoon and died at Children's Health Ireland, Temple Street, yesterday.
He was a 4th Class pupil at St Tolas NS in Shannon.
In a statement, the school said Dylan will be greatly missed and offered its sympathies to his parents, sister and brother, his grandparents, extended family and his "wide circle of friends, especially here at St Tolas."
The school said it has received support from the National Educational Psychological Service who have been available in the school this week to advise staff as they support pupils.
"We will always treasure the fond memories we have of Dylan and his time in our school. He will always be a member of our school community."
Dylan's little brother was born earlier this week.
Co-parish priest in Shannon, Fr Tom Whelan, said there was a "palpable sadness" in the town following the news of Dylan's death.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said it is a "tragedy beyond tragedies".
"Everybody's words are about Dylan and Dylan's family. You can just feel the sadness around the place. The heads are bowed. People cannot believe it."
Fr Whelan described the shock and sadness in Dylan's school on Monday when he visited and said everyone's thoughts and prayers are with Dylan's family at this time.
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Dylan played U-11 soccer with Shannon Town Utd AFC, which said all at the club were heartbroken.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Club Secretary Gerard Kelly described him as a "lovely kid" who "always had a smile on his face".
In a post on Facebook, the club said Dylan had been with them since he was four and "was a joy to be around and always had a great big smile on his face when he played....his infectious smile and energy will never be forgotten."
The town is in a state of shock, Mr Kelly said.
He said Dylan loved soccer and was a big Liverpool FC fan. Even when he was not training, he would always be on the pitch or playing in school, and he would always have a football, Mr Kelly said.
"There is a sombre mood around the small town of 10,000 people, where everyone knows each other."
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The community in Shannon has rallied around the family and prayers have been said for Dylan and his family at all masses since the news of the road incident on Sunday.
Gardaí are continuing their investigation into what caused the incident. A man aged in his 20s was arrested on Monday and questioned by gardaí, but later released.
According to the latest figures from An Garda Síochána, 37 people have died on Irish roads since the beginning of the year, including seven pedestrians.
