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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cian O'Broin

Heartbreaking tributes paid to 'gentle soul', 13, killed in Kilkenny crash with father in 'serious condition'

Tributes have been paid after a 13-year-old boy died tragically following a crash between a jeep and car in Kilkenny.

Billy Rockett, from Kilmacow, died on Wednesday after he and his father Liam, who is in a serious condition in hospital, were involved in a road traffic collision on the N10 Kilkenny to Waterford Road at 2pm.

Heartfelt condolences have been expressed for the teenager, who has been described as "such a gentle soul who always had a smile on his face."

Read More: Teenage passenger dies after crash between car and jeep in Kilkenny

Shamrocks GAA Club said: “Deepest condolences at this sad time to the Dowling and Rockett family and the wider community. Thoughts and prayers are with the families.”

Billy was a pupil at Abbey Community College in Ferrybank in Co Waterford, having just completed his first year of studies there.

Kilmacow Hurling and Football Club, who Billy played with also said their thoughts and prayers are with the Rockett family.

They said: "News reached us late this evening of an accident that has seen young Billy tragically taken from them while Liam is in a serious condition in hospital. They will need all our prayers tonight and going forward, all the support we can give."

The club asked that people say a prayer for the family and keep them in their thoughts. "Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis, RIP Billy," they added.

One heartbreaking tribute described Billy as the "gentlest little soul" while another said he was such a "lovely quiet lad."

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Gardaí said: "Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N10 in the Danesfort area between 1:30pm and 2:15pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí."

The two occupants of the jeep, a man and a woman, were also taken to St Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny for treatment of their injuries.

"Absolutely no words , devastating. An absolutely beautiful, funny, gorgeous boy," one final tribute for the teenager expressed.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Thomastown Garda Station on 056 775 4150, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station," a garda spokesperson added.

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