Family of ‘dearly loved' boy, 7, who drowned at Sligo beach confirm funeral details amid tributes for ‘beautiful angel'
THE heartbroken family of a "dearly loved" seven-year-old boy who drowned at a beach in Sligo last weekend has confirmed he will be laid to rest this week.
Alan Singh,
from Ballisodare in Co
, sadly passed away shortly after gardai and emergency services
when the alarm was raised at Lissadell Beach
on Saturday.
Alan was
The Irish Coast Guard's search and rescue helicopter Rescue 118 airlifted the boy to Sligo University Hospital, but he later died.
Alan was a second class pupil at his local St John's National school in Ballisodare.
He is said to be "dearly loved and sadly missed" by his devastated parents IqbalJeet and Andrea, as well as sister Aisha, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and classmates.
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His family confirmed that his funeral will take place at 11am on Thursday morning at the Church of the Assumption in Collooney.
He will be buried following the mass at Sligo Cemetery at 12.30pm.
Tributes have rolled in for little Alan, with mourners remembering him as "a beautiful angel".
Fianna Fail councillor Edel McSharry said: "Sincere condolences to Alan's mother Andrea, father IgbalJeet, sister Aisha and all his family and friends in St Johns national school on the sudden and traumatic passing of beautiful Alan.
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"I am so sorry that you are going through the heartbreak of his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope you find the strength to carry Alan in your hearts forever. Rest in peace with the Angels Alan."
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One mother said: "Condolences to Alan's family his Mum, Dad and sister, Alan's extended family his friend's and his classmates.
"A beautiful little angel lent to this world for a very short time but no doubt will leave a lasting impression on everyone that knew him. I cannot even imagine your pain I can only pray for you all."
A local parent said: "Sincere sympathy to the Singh family on the tragic loss of your beautiful little boy Alan dear little boy you have touched so many hearts with your sad passing especially the community of Ballisodare your wee face will be missed by so many but especially your dear Mum Dad sister and grandparents."
Another said: "Can't stop thinking about Alan and all his family & friends since the news broke on Saturday.
"Lissadell beach is a stones throw from our house and it's so sad to think such a tragedy happened here.
"Such a gorgeous little boy. Look after each other until you reunite with your little boy. Rest in peace little angel."
SCHOOL'S TRIBUTE
In a statement, Principal Mary Curley told how the next few days will be difficult for everyone in the school community.
The
She said: "It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our pupils, Alan Singh, a treasured member of our Second Class, who died in a tragic drowning accident at Lissadell Beach yesterday evening''.
Describing Alan, she said: "Alan was a much-loved pupil—always smiling, warm, and full of kindness.
FLOAT TO LIVE
THE RNLI has launched a new Float to Live campaign during National Water Safety Awareness Week in Ireland.
They are encouraging members of the public to know the steps to remember if they find themselves struggling in water.
The advice is simply Float to Live.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: "Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about.
"They should ignore the instinct and remember to float. Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to.
"We all float differently, so if your legs sink a bit don't worry. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing.
"Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety."
She added: "The seas around our coasts are cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users.
"Many people who end up in danger never planned to enter the water, so this advice could be a lifesaver for anyone who is heading to the water – even those who are experienced, and those who have no plans to enter the water."
If you witness someone else struggling in water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
"He was friendly, hardworking, and a talented young artist who brought joy and creativity to our classrooms.
His gentle nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him".
Principal Curley confirmed the school will remain open as normal but psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service will be on site from this morning to support the school community.
She added: "Resources will also be provided to parents to help support their children through this time of grief.
"We respectfully ask for privacy for Alan's family and for our school community as we all come to terms with this tragic loss.
"On behalf of everyone at St. John's, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences".
1
Little Alan died on Saturday
Credit: RIP.ie
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