‘Benny had a very kind heart and was always willing to help people’

The father of Benjamin Spot whose body was recovered at the weekend following a 24-day search has paid tribute to his 14-year-old son who he said had a "very kind heart" and was always willing to help people.

Attila Spot also spoke movingly about how much it meant to him to see Benny's friends gather at the Ramparts on Sunday evening in his memory and that hearing how kind and helpful Benny was from his friends, made him very proud of his son.

Attila described Benny as a "typical teenager" who loved his Playstation, games, his phone and social media. He also loved art and drawing and was a football fan.

A bright student who did well at school, Benny went to primary school in St Stephen's NS in Johnstown and afterwards to Beaufort College where he was in second year. A popular student, he had many friends. Attila told how his favourite subject was Home Economics and although just 14 years of age, Benny was already a great cook. His specialities were homemade burgers and pork chops. "The way he cooked pork chops, a restaurant couldn't do it better. The way he expressed himself through cooking was extraordinary," his dad said.

Attila said he was a little mischievous at times but nothing out of the ordinary saying he was just a typical teenager.

"He had a very kind heart. He had no problem expressing his feelings. He was very helpful to whoever approached him and never turned his back no matter what."

He was very close to his older brother, Lenny (16).

"He had a very strong bond with his brother. He had no problem talking to his brother about anything that bothered him and would ask his advice," said Attila.

Of course there was some sibling rivalry from time to time, but if they ever had words they quickly made up and Attila said the three of them shared a very strong bond.

Beaufort College opened the school on Sunday for two hours to support Benny's friends and Attila expressed his gratitude to principal Ken Flynn and his admiration for the effort he put in to all the students, not only his son.

Afterwards, Benny's friends arranged to meet at the Ramparts where they had music and let off balloons in his memory. Attila did not know what to expect and was hugely moved by the large turnout with 50-60 people coming out and said it meant a huge amount to him to think the kids organised it themselves and to speak to Benny's friends.

"I was so delighted to hear and know how popular he was among his friends. So many kids came to me and told me he helped them with maths, or helped me this or that. He was a giver.

Anyone who approached him for help, he never turned his back, he was always there for them.

"Hearing from those kids. It meant so much. I could not be more proud."

Attila has paid tribute to Meath River Rescue and expressed this thanks to them for all their efforts during the 24-day search.

He also spoke of his gratitude for the support he received from the local community and said he was surprised and very grateful for the support in response to an appeal set up by the mother of one of Benny's friends to help towards the funeral costs.