Teenage girl tragically dies in Galway Gaeltacht after 'medical emergency'

Gardaí said in a statement that emergency services responded to a “medical emergency” but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body was taken to Galway University Hospital.

The Irish Times reported that the girl attended Coláiste na nOileán, a college in Tír an Fhia. Authorities at Lettermore College decided to end the course a day early and students participating in the Pre-Junior Cert course returned home on Friday.

A statement published by the Irish Times on Friday said: “We had a tragic incident at the college yesterday in which one of our students sadly passed away due to a health issue. As you can imagine, students and staff are in shock and we are providing counseling to anyone who needs it. We have also contacted the various agencies to help and advise us in this difficult situation.

“We have made the decision, for the well-being of all students and staff, to end the course today Friday the 14th.

“As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for everyone involved and out of respect for the family, we cannot give you too much specific information at this time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.”

The students, mostly first and second year high school students, were gathered Thursday evening in the main hall where they were informed of the death before being divided into small groups. They were then able to call home to speak to their parents who had already been informed of what had happened.

The decision was made to finish the course a day early and transportation for the students was arranged. A bus took the students to a collection point in Kinnegad on Friday evening where parents then collected them.