Irish mum’s heartbreaking tribute to boy, 9, after ‘tragic and unexpected’ death

A DEVASTATED mum has told how “life will never be the same again” without the “radiant light” of her son in her life after his tragic death.

Will Young died “tragically and unexpectedly” at Temple Street Children’s Hospital on Saturday.

The young lad, who was from Kilcross in Kilkenny, was aged just nine years, five months and 25 days old.

Will has been lovingly remembered as the “beloved and forever cherished” son of dad Rob and mum Dee.

In a heartbreaking tribute to her only child, mum Dee told how life will “never be the same” again.

She said: “It is with broken hearts and the utmost sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our pride and joy…our precious, beautiful boy William. Without his radiant light, life will never be the same again.”

Will is sadly missed by his “heartbroken and devoted parents” and loving grandparents Christy and Ann Ring and Kay Maher.

A notice online told how the young boy is also mourned by uncles Simon, William and his husband Andy, Sean, Kevin and his wife Charlotte and John, his aunties Ann and Niamh and her husband Ken, his cousins Joey, Grace, David, Oisin and Sean Og and the extended Ring and Maher families.

Tragic Will is also deeply mourned by the pupils of St Colmcille’s National School, Inistioge, his teammates from the Rower Inistioge GAA Club and Thomastown United AFC, the 4th Kilkenny Inistioge Scouts Group, and friends from the community.

He is predeceased by his grandfather Willie Maher.

Emotional tributes have poured in for young Will as the local community continues to reel from the news of the loss.

One local mother told is it “a cruel heartbreaking world” for a parent to lose a child.

She continued: The pain of losing a child should never be felt.. rest in peace little fella… forever your son x.”

Will’s classmate at St Colmcille’s National School said: “I was so sad to hear the news about Will. We all loved Will in school and will miss him so much.

“We were so lucky to have him as our friend. He will always be in our hearts.”

Another local woman said: “Rob and Dee I cannot convey how sorry I am for your profound loss. Will’s memory will forever be a reminder of the love and joy he brought to the world.

“His time was too short, but his impact was immeasurable. It was a privilege to have known him.”

Another told how Will was a “beautiful and inspirational little boy”.

Will is reposing at the family home from 4pm to 8pm today, pausing for Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 6pm.

The family have that the house remain private at all other times ahead of the funeral mass on Thursday.

The mass will take place at 11am in St Colmcille’s Church, Inistioge with interment afterwards at Cappagh Cemetery.

The family have asked for family flowers only, with donations to be considered for Temple Street Children’s Hospital in lieu.