An eight-year-old boy has died after he fell while cycling in Co Cork yesterday.
The incident happened at Ballydonegan, Allihies in Beara at about 5.15pm.
The young boy, who was from the area, fell from his bicycle on the roadway and was pronounced dead en route to Bantry hospital.
The boy, who has been named as Roan Harrington of Ballydonegan near Allihies, was set to begin second class at Cahermore National School today.
Instead classmates said prayers for their friend, who was described as a happy little boy who loved the outdoors.
His devastated mother Margaret Harrington, father Sesso Villanueva and brothers
Euan (12) and Oran (10) are being comforted by family and friends.
Padraig O'Sullivan, Roan's principal, the three brothers were also good friends who always played together outside school.
"Roan was a lovely boy," said Mr O'Sullivan. "A very popular boy and a happy child.
"He will be missed by his friends because Ronan played with everybody. He was a lovely lad.
Mr O'Sullivan said it was a difficult day for staff and the school's 62 young pupils.
"It was the first day back and there was obviously a huge cloud over what would normally be a very happy day," he continued.
"We just got all the children together and said prayers for Roan, his family and friends and we told them it was an accident.
"The children are in shock. Some of the younger children don't really know how to deal with it. It will take a few days to sink in."
It is understood Roan suffered internal injures when the handle bars from the bike stuck his chest.
Spanish born Mr Villanueva, a fisherman who works out of Castletownbere, was away at sea when the tragic accident happened and returned home this morning.
His son's funeral is expected to be held on Thursday.
Parish priest Fr Kieran O'Sullivan said the tragic accident has shocked the close-knit community.
"The family are in total shock," he said.
"They are shell shocked and the whole village is shell shocked.
"All ours thoughts and prayers go out to them during this very difficult time."
Additional reporting: PA