TRIBUTES have poured in from far and wide for “a happy kid” who was “a joy to be around”, after a tragic road accident left the Shannon town community in shock.
His grieving family have revealed that the brave child had previously asked that his organs be donated in the event of a tragedy.
10-year-old Dylan Coady Coleman tragically lost his life three days after being struck by a van this past Sunday afternoon (February 25).
The young Shannon boy passed on Wednesday in Children’s Health Ireland, Temple Street, where he was being treated for serious injuries following the incident.
The 10-year-old was brought to the Temple Street hospital from University Hospital Limerick on Sunday, where he had been airlifted following the fatal collision in the Purcell Park area of Shannon, County Clare.
In an online post, the young boy’s grieving mother, Laura Coady, wrote that her son would be “saving five lives” after having donated his organs.
The young mother wrote that her son had told her in recent weeks that “if anything ever happens to him, he would like to donate”.
The news comes as Dylan’s family welcomed a new child into the world on Tuesday, with Laura Coady posting online that the Shannon boy had “got to meet his little brother”.
Baby Shane Dylan Coady Coleman, born on Tuesday, was named in honour of his late big brother.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme, Parish Priest Fr Tom Whelan said that “there is a palpable sadness all around the place” in the wake of the young boy’s death.
“Everybody’s words are about Dylan and Dylan’s family. The heads are bowed, they cannot believe it. It’s a tragedy beyond tragedies.”
Fr Whelan said that “it’s almost like living in a mirage, people just don’t know what to do.”
St Tolas National School in Shannon, at which young Dylan was a well-loved fourth class pupil, wrote a tribute online saying: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic death of our beloved pupil Dylan Coady Coleman.”
“Dylan is a much loved fourth class pupil in St Tolas NS. His gorgeous smile and kind heart endeared him to everyone in our school community. He will be greatly missed.”
In the days since Sunday’s crash, Dylan’s fourth class friends have erected a touching shrine to him in the school with hand-drawn pictures and messages.
An online post from Dylan’s football club, Shannon Town United, said that members were “heartbroken” to hear of the young boy’s passing.
“We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Coleman and Coady families at this time. Dylan has been with the club since he was four and was a member of our current U11 squad. He was a joy to be around and always had a great big smile on his face when he played,” the club’s statement read.
“On behalf of his teammates and coaches, Pa, Kieran and Jason (who he never paid any attention to), we’re all heartbroken. His infectious smile and energy will never be forgotten.”
Other mourners described the young soccer star as “exceptional” and “the most loving and kind boy”.
“Always will remember Dylan coming up the steps at Lynch Park, Liverpool kit on, holding his sister’s hand and that massive smile. Rest easy Dylan and god bless,” another wrote.
Close friends of the young boy’s family have launched an online memorial fund to help ease the family’s burden at this difficult time. The fundraising page can be found on gofundme.com/f/dylan-coleman-memorial-fund.
Of a fundraising target of €3,000, the campaign has already raised close to €50,000.
Dylan Coady Coleman is survived by his mother Laura, father Garry, sister Zoe, and baby brother Shane Dylan.
Funeral arrangement for the young Shannon boy have not yet been announced.
Gardaí on Monday confirmed that a man in his 20s had been arrested in connection with their investigation, and had since been released.
Gardaí in Shannon are appealing to anyone who may have been in the Purcell Park area between 1.45pm and 2.30pm on Sunday, especially those who may have video or dashcam footage, to come forward.
Anyone with information useful to the investigation can contact Shannon Garda Station on 061 365 900, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
