The community in Co Kilkenny is in shock following the death of a teenager in a freak hurling accident, the local mayor says.
13-year-old Harry Byrne died in St Luke's Hospital yesterday after he was struck by a sliotar at St Kieran's College on Monday.
Gardaí are treating the teenager's death as a tragic accident.
Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuiness told Newstalk Breakfast the city is mourning following the tragedy.
He said: “It’s absolutely devastating. The whole city and county is in shock here this morning.
“We want to send our thoughts and sympathies to the family and friends at this very, very difficult time. But we’re all devastated here.
“It was a freak accident - he was playing the sport he loved with friends.”
He said the family has asked that people respect and support them at this difficult time.