'Totally speechless'- Shockwaves sent around Leitrim as local Cllr tells Newstalk about tragedy

Paddy O' Rourke, local Fianna Fail Councillor from Carrigallen in Leitrim spoke to Newstalk about the tragic death of an 18-year-old boy that has left his community shocked and heartbroken.

The boy was involved in a tractor collision and was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the tractor was taken to Cavan hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

"Unfortunately we are left without one of the finest young men from our parish," Cllr O' Rourke told Newstalk.

"To say that the parish has been numbed by this is an understatement because it has hit us like a ton of bricks," he said.

"The young man was 18-years-of-age, completed his Leaving Certificate and was doing a course in agriculture," Cllr O' Rourke said.

"His whole life was ahead of him," he continued, "believe you me, it would be preferable to be talking about anything else here this morning from Carrigallen, other than this tragedy that has been delivered upon the family and the community."

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Cllr O' Rourke told Newstalk that he knows the family of the deceased and said that the community in Leitrim is "totally speechless."

He told Newstalk that "it's beyond comprehension that somebody could go out in the morning and not come back to his family and loved ones at that age."

"He would have had a lot of colleagues at school...in the course he was doing...and the entire area has been stunned by this," Cllr O' Rourke told Newstalk.

He said that "all we can do and the community will, of course, rally to support the family in any which way that's necessary."

"We offer our thoughts and prayers for the family who are trying to come to terms with this tragedy that's been delivered upon them," he told Newstalk.

Tributes have poured in on Facebook from the community who are shocked by the tragic news.

"These farm accidents are happening way too much and usually with tractors - do they not have to pass tests like cars - another young life gone unnecessary and too soon - May he Rest in Peace and sympathy to his family and friends ," one message said.

Another message said, "such a lovely, respectful young man. Absolutely devastating. Cruel world. Heartbreaking".