‘Life will never be the same’: Irish mum pays tribute after son, 9, tragically dies

Tributes have poured in for a little boy from Co Kilkenny who tragically passed away.

William (Will) Ring unexpectedly passed away on June 22 at the age of 9 years at Children’s Hospital, Dublin.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for the little boy from Kilcross, Inistioge, who has been described as a “precious, beautiful boy” with a “radiant light”.

His mother, Dee Maher Ring, wrote in tribute on social media: “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 played was an Under 9 player for Thomastown United AFC and also played for the Rower Inistioge GAA Club.

Will, who was a pupil of St Colmcille’s National School, was also part of the fourth Kilkenny Inistioge Scouts Group.

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Thomastown United AFC also paid tribute to Will, who had scored in the final game of the season a couple of weeks ago.

“Thomastown united are saddened and shocked by the unexpected passing of Under 9 player Will Ring, only 4 weeks ago Will scored in the final game of the season lighting up the place with his joyful smile , our deepest sympathies to his loving parents Rob and Dee family friends and teammates May you rest in peace Will,” the club paid in tribute.

Will will be reposing at the family home at The Old Barracks, Kilcross, Inistioge, County Kilkenny (R95WP44) from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday, June 26, pausing for Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 6pm. 

The family has asked for the house to remain private at all other times. The funeral mass will take place on Thursday morning at 11am in St Colmcille’s Church, Inistioge with interment afterwards at Cappagh Cemetery, Inistioge.

The requiem mass will be live-streamed here.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.