Tributes pour in for much-loved Navan youngster who passed away after sudden illness

There is widespread sadness in the town of Navan with news that a much loved 10-year old boy, Bernard Power has passed away.

Bernard, who played with Parkvilla's U10 side and was a school pupil of Scoil Naomh Eoin died in Temple St Hospital on Friday.

Tributes were paid to the popular youngster with his school commenting:

"It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the heartbreaking loss of our much loved and cherished pupil, Bernard Power.

"Bernard's kindness, warmth, and bright spirit touched everyone in Scoil Naomh Eoin and his absence will leave a deep void in our classrooms, playgrounds, and hearts.

"He will be deeply missed by his friends, teachers, and our entire school community - today, and in all the years to come. His absence will be felt not only in the classrooms he once filled, but also in the silence echoing through the hallways and the stillness of the football pitch where he played with such energy and joy.

"Our love and heartfelt prayers go out to Bernard's family, friends and fellow pupils during this very difficult time. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts, our prayers, and our school community.

"We kindly appreciate your strength, support and prayers for Bernard, his family, his friends and our school community as we navigate this time of immense grief together.

Navan Mayor, Cllr Eddie Fennessy said:

"Bernard's loss is felt right across the Navan. As the Mayor of the town, I offer the condolences of the people, to his parents Bernard Snr and Chloe, to his sisters, to his extended family and to his friends. Their are no words to console the pain and suffering they must be going through. The entire community stands with them in their time of need. Beannacht Dé lena anam."

His soccer club, Parkvilla suspended all junior playing activity for the weekend as a mark of respect with the club paying tribute:

"Parkvilla are saddened to hear of the passing of our U10 Player Bernard Power.

"We would like to express our deepest condolences to his parents Bernard & Chloe, his sisters and the extended Power and Conaty family.

"As a mark of respect, all schoolboy/girl activities & games are cancelled this weekend.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Meath West Sinn Fein TD, Johnny Guirke expressed his "deepest condolences to young Bernard and extend my condolences to his parents and siblings. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

The funeral notice for Bernard reads:

"Peacefully at Temple Street Children's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

"Bernard Jnr will be very sadly missed and fondly remembered by his heartbroken parents Bernard & Chloe, sisters Isabella, Arianna, Sophia and Ruby, grandparents, Bernard, Suzanne, Aishling and Sonny, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and all his wonderful school and football friends."

Funeral arrangements will follow later.