TRIBUTES have poured in after two Irish teenagers died on a post-Leaving Cert holiday to a Greek island.
St Michael’s College in Dublin confirmed that former pupils Max Wall and Andrew O’Donnell - both aged 18 - lost their lives while away on the island of Ios.
The school paid tribute to Max this afternoon, just hours after the death of his classmate Andrew was announced.
The boys were part of a larger group of young people from the Ballsbridge secondary school who were holidaying on the Greek island just weeks after their Leaving Cert to celebrate the end of the exams.
The school community has been left reeling at the double loss of life.
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School bosses said: “On a day of immense sadness for the school we have been notified of another devastating loss from the class of 2023, with the passing of Max Wall.
“Max was a constant source of positivity, encouragement and fun for all those around him. He was extremely popular with staff and students alike, and a fantastic supporter of our teams, as well as a great brother to past pupil Charlie.
“Our thoughts are with Max’s family at this awful time and with his friends who have experienced such shocking loss over the last 24 hours.”
Leinster Rugby paid tribute to both Andrew and Max, tweeting: “The wider Leinster Rugby family and the Official Leinster Supporters Club is in shock as we deal with the information coming home today.
“Thoughts with the families and friends of the young men gone far too soon.”
Andrew’s parents are travelling to the island after being told the devastating news, it’s understood.
Paying tribute, St Michael’s College described Andrew as a “kind and honest” person, adding: “We have learned of the tragic passing of Andrew O’Donnell, a member of our recently graduated class of 2023.
“Andrew was not only a popular classmate and friend, but a proud and committed member of our football team.
“He was kind to those around him, honest in all of his endeavours, and a great brother.
'SORELY MISSED'
“Andrew will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
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“Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
It’s understood Andrew had been missing for over a day before his body was discovered and that Max died today.
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Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said he was “thinking of the families and friends of Andrew and Max” after hearing the news.
The St Michael’s College Union said: “Our thoughts are with Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall’s family and friends at this awful time.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the Class of 2023, the school staff and the pupils.
“The Union is here to support the school staff and past pupil population at this difficult time.”
The double tragedy comes shortly after Rory Deegan, 22, from Oldtown, Cullohill, Co Laois, and a student at the Technological University of the Shannon in Limerick was found dead in a swimming pool in Zakynthos, Greece.
