An Irish community is in mourning after the sad death of a young man in recent days.
16-year-old Lee Nolan, from Ballymurn in Co Wexford, passed away unexpectedly last Friday.
Tributes have been pouring in for the fifth year student of St Mary's CBS secondary school in Enniscorthy, with his family, friends and members of the local community shocked over his death.
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Lee has been described as "incredibly kind" and "a wonderful young man who touched the lives of those around him".
St Mary's CBS extended its condolences to the Nolan family on Tuesday, writing: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee Nolan’s family, extended family, friends, our school community and the wider community at this sad time. Rest in Peace Lee."
Enniscorthy Community College responded by saying: "Sincere condolences @CBS_Enniscorthy from all in Enniscorthy Community College. Rest in Peace, Lee."
Colleagues of Lee's mother Caroline also extended their sympathies to the family.
Home Instead Wexford said last Friday: "Tonight we extend our deepest condolences to our colleague Caroline Nolan who sadly lost her son Lee today.
"Caroline our hearts are broken for you and your family,we have no words.
"Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace."
Crossabeg Ballymurn GAA club said: "Our Deepest Sympathy to the Nolan family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Lee."
On Tuesday, a fundraising campaign was launched by carers at Home Instead Wexford to help with funeral costs for the Nolan family.
Organisers wrote: "As colleagues of our beloved Caregiver, Caroline Nolan, who recently buried her beautiful son, Lee Nolan at the age of 16, we are asking everyone to light a candle in his memory this Friday 20th May.
"Lee was a wonderful young man who touched the lives of those around him. Besides his parents, he leaves behind his siblings Natasha, Aaron and Zoe, Grandmothers, brothers-in-law and extended family.
"Lee always enjoyed being with his best friends Kailen, Nathan, Chloe and Kevin and always stuck up for those who needed it. He was incredibly kind and a natural protector. He will be missed by all his friends and staff at CBS in Enniscorthy and within the Wexford community.
"When Lee wasn’t in school, he enjoyed his other passions in life, motorbikes, motorbikes, did we mention motorbikes?!? Also, cars, music and the outdoors. He was a true adventurer and loved his dogs Cali and Lexi to be with him.
"All are devastated by the loss of this fine young man; he leaves behind an enormous void in the hearts of everyone who knew him, especially his mum, Caroline, whom he was very close with.
"Lee, if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
"We have started a funeral fundraiser to help cover the cost of Lee’s funeral expenses. We would like to contribute to Lee’s heartbroken family to relieve them of any financial burden they may face to enable them to grieve. We are reaching out today to ask for your support. Please consider donating, as any small amount will truly help the Nolan family during this difficult time."
Lee was laid to rest in Ballymurn on Monday.
He is survived by his parents, three siblings, grandparents, brothers-in-law, best friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
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