Tributes paid to young boy and footballer who died in Mayo car-train crash

'He was a talented artist and athlete who loved music, and a smile was never far from his face.'

Shortly after 8.45pm on Thursday (3 September), Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of the collision at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis.

The 12-year-old boy was a passenger in the car. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man in his late 40s, was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment. His injuries are said to be "not life-threatening".

The 12-year-old boy was later named locally as Eoin Doyle, a sixth class pupil at Cloonfad National School and a member of the Ballyhaunis GAA club and the Ballyhaunis Golf Club.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One on Friday, local parish priest Fr Stephen Farragher said Eoin's family are well-known in the area.

"We had [the Sam Maguire cup] here last Thursday and the little boy and his family were photographed with Sam Maguire. The family are all GAA enthusiasts," he explained.

"Actually, the young boy was coming from underage training at the time that the accident happened."

Shane Morgan, the principal of Cloonfad NS, said in a statement: "The Cloonfad NS community and the wider Cloonfad / Ballyhaunis area are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our sixth class pupil Eoin Doyle.

"We extend heartfelt condolences to his twin sister, Saoirse and step-brother, Conor, his parents Declan and Elaine and the wider Doyle and Corcoran families.

"Eoin was a friendly and kind child. He was a talented artist and athlete who loved music, and a smile was never far from his face.

"Eoin will be dearly missed by his friends, and all the pupils and staff of Cloonfad NS. Eoin's family, neighbours and the community at large are in our thoughts and prayers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May Eoin rest in peace."

Ballyhaunis GAA also paid tribute to Eoin, writing: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our young club member, Eoin Doyle.

"Eoin was a much-loved member of our underage teams, a talented young footballer and, above all, a wonderful young boy who was a great friend and teammate to so many within our club.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Eoin’s parents, Declan and Elaine, his twin sister Saoirse, his step-brother Conor, his grandparents Pat and Marguerite Doyle and Ger and Mary Corcoran, his uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends, and all those who knew and loved him.

"We are also thinking especially of Eoin’s teammates, coaches and friends within the club at this incredibly difficult time.

"Eoin will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by everyone at Ballyhaunis GAA. A Book of Condolence for Eoin will open in the clubhouse from 12pm tomorrow, Saturday.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

The Ballyhaunis Golf Club also wrote: "Ballyhaunis Golf club are shocked and saddened at the news of the tragic passing of our promising Junior club member Eoin Doyle.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Eoin’s parents, Declan and Elaine, his twin sister Saoirse, his step-brother Conor, his grandparents Pat and Marguerite Doyle and Ger and Mary Corcoran, his uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends, and all those who knew and loved him.

"May his beautiful spirit rest in peace."

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the car-train crash to come forward.

"Road users and pedestrians with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were in the area of Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, on Thursday, 3 September 2026 between 8.15pm and 9.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí," a spokesperson said.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on (096) 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

The funeral mass for Eoin will take place on Tuesday at noon at St. Patrick's Church, Cloonfad.

In a statement to JOE on Friday morning, Irish Rail said the following about the crash: "Iarnród Éireann expresses our deepest sympathies to the family of the young boy who tragically lost his life at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis yesterday evening.

"The 18.15 Heuston to Westport service struck a car in which the boy was travelling at XM160 level crossing at Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, shortly before 21:00hrs.

"An adult male, also in the car at the time, is in hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.

"Emergency services attended the scene... All passengers on the train safely disembarked, and onward transport was arranged.

"Thank you to all who responded to this tragic incident for the professionalism and care shown to those involved.

"Iarnród Éireann immediately commenced a full investigation into the incident and has advised the relevant authorities."