The teenager who tragically died following a crash in Co Offaly on Thursday night has been named.
Shane Hickey, from Rhode near Edenderry, died after the tractor he was driving left the road and entered a deep drain.
The incident happened at Black Castle Bog in Clonmore at around 11pm.
READ MORE: Teenage boy dies after horror late-night tractor crash in Offaly as gardai close road
Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene and found that Shane had been fatally injured.
He was taken to Tullamore Hospital, and gardai have since launched an investigation into the crash.
Tributes are being paid to the third year student at St Mary's Secondary School in Edenderry.
The school expressed its condolences to Shane's family, writing: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our 3rd year student, Shane Hickey. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his parents Paula and Richard, and brothers Alex and Evan. May Shane's gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
The nearby Gaelscoil Éadan Doire added: "Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar anam Shane. Condolences to Shane’s poor family friends, your own & @scoilbhrideps1 whole school communities. Leaba i measc na Naomh go raibh aige."
Tributes have been pouring in from friends and members of the local community who remembered Shane as a "credit to his parents".
Bishop Denis Nulty, the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, said: "Prayers and thoughts with Shane’s family and the entire school community at this very sad time. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis."
While Shane's former coach wrote: "It was such a pleasure to have coached you. You are a credit to your parents Richard and Paula and an idol to your brothers Alex and Evan. You will be greatly missed Shane."
Another member of the local community said: "Deep and Heartfelt Sympathy to the Hickey family and extended family. So so sad. Shane was a lovely friendly guy. May his gentle soul rest in peace and that God will help his family at this sad sad time."
While someone else added: "A devastating loss for all who knew & loved Shane, sincere condolences to Shane's family, friends, classmates & all close to him, may his gentle soul rest in peace."
Shane's funeral details will be announced in due course.
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