Lorcán Miller (21) described as an ‘exceptional young man’

UCD medical student Lorcán Miller who died in the Berkeley balcony collapse has been described as an “exceptional young man” by his former headmaster.

Mr Miller (21) was the student officer or head prefect at St Andrew’s College in Booterstown in 2012 when he was studying for his Leaving Certificate. He was voted in by 180 students in his year.

Arthur Godsil, who was headmaster at St Andrew's College until 2013, said Mr Miller had an "amazing ability with people".

He was both academically gifted and a good sportsman. He played hockey for the school.

“Every now and then you get students who give so much to the school. He threw himself into everything. He was an amazingly solid individual,” Mr Godsil said.

Qualifying for medicine in UCD was a result of hard work and planning, Mr Godsil said. He prepared well for everything he did.

He was an ambassador for the National Model United Nations, a programme designed for young people who debate world issues. He represented St Andrew's College in London and The Hague.

“He knew that if he was to achieve anything, he would have to put the effort in. He was knowledgeable about doing what he had to do to achieve an outcome.”

He was also a happy person who radiated happiness to other people. “His happiness was very obvious and he imparted that very happiness to other people. That skill and ability is quite exceptional.”

Students from St Andrew’s College gathered at different points of the city on Tuesday night to remember Lorcán Miller. “The loss of any student is a tragedy, but he seemed to touch the hearts of so many of his classmates and his teachers which was quite exceptional,” Mr Godsil added. “He is a huge loss to society. The whole thing is devastating.”