Olivia Kelleher
Tributes have been paid to two talented young footballers who died when the e-scooter they were travelling on collided with a bus during the early hours of Thursday morning in Waterford city.
Gilbert Collins (15), of Ardmore Park in Waterford City, died at the scene of the collision on the R680 Cork Road at 1.10am on Thursday.
His friend, Avuzwa 'Avu' Idris (17), from Crystal Mews on the Cork Road, was taken to Waterford University Hospital following the collision, and was subsequently transferred to Cork University Hospital where he died on Thursday afternoon.
The teenagers had been returning from a 24-hour gym when the fatal collision took place.
The driver of the bus was not injured in the incident.
Avu had just completed his Leaving Certificate at De La Salle College in Waterford, while Gilbert attended St Paul’s Community College in Lisduggan.
Avu's team, Villa Football Club in Waterford, released a statement in tribute to the promising 17-year-old.
"Avu has played for the club for a number of years and was not only a very good player, but above all was a really nice young lad who always had a smile on his face.
"He loved football, playing with the club and his teammates and only recently took huge pleasure as he and his team won the Under 17 Cup Final.
"The club would like to pass on its deepest condolences to his family and friends at this really difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the coaches and teammates that Avu has had in his time in Villa."
The club also offered its condolences to Gilbert's family.
"Sometimes life just isn’t fair and this is one of those occasions," the club added.
Sometimes life just isn’t fair and this is one of those occasions.
Gilbert's side, Waterford Crystal Football Club, also paid tribute to their late player.
"To say everyone at Waterford Crystal is hugely shocked and saddened at the news that came through yesterday of the tragic passing of Gilbert Collins would be a massive understatement.
"Gilbert played for the club at various age groups and was part of our U16 squad this season. Gilbert was a very good player, teammate and friend, but was also a nice lad.
"The club would like to pass on its deepest condolences to his family and friends at this really difficult time. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time," the club wrote, also extending sympathies to Avu's family.
The Mayor of Waterford City and Council, Councillor Jason Murphy, has opened a book of condolence for the teenagers at Waterford's City Hall, while counselling and support services are being made available to classmates and friends of the two boys.
Gardaí are continuing to investigate the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Those with information can contact Waterford Garda station on 051-305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666 111, or any Garda station.
