The vigil for Mikey Leddy in Johnstown

The young people of Johnstown pay touching tribute to Mikey Leddy

To cheers, then free-flowing tears, then silence and hugs, hundreds of balloons, in red, in white and in blue - the colours of Johnstown FC and Navan O'Mahony's -  rose gently into the air above the People's Park, just before 9pm this evening.

They came in their hundreds, mostly teenagers and youngsters from Johnstown and Navan, to remember Mikey Leddy, one of their own, taken away so tragically on Tuesday.

Candles lit the entrance to the park. There were tealights arranged to read the name 'Mikey', silver helium balloons with the letters spelling out the name 'Leddy' attached to the gates alongside a Johnstown FC jersey. A Navan O'Mahony's flag with the line 'Mikey No.14 Forever' was spread out on the grass. String lines ran across the railings with photos of Mikey and his friends, the poses typical of a fun-loving and much-loved local boy with everything to live for. 


Chinese Lanterns released in memory of Mikey Leddy

A sound system played some of Mikey's favourite tracks including Aslan's 'Crazy World'. There were very few words spoken over the public address. In truth, words were hard to come by. This evening seemed more about reflection and rememberance.

Teenagers, many with t-shirts emblazoned with Mikey's image huddled in small groups remembering their friend. Those that stopped to gaze upon the colourful shrine were still coming to terms with the loss of the talented 15-year-old GAA and soccer star whose life ended so tragically after a fall while on holidays with his family in Lanzarote.

This was their night, their way of expressing their grief for their beloved pal. It was their way of letting the Leddy family, in the heartbreaking process of repatriating Mikey's remains  to Ireland, that they were thinking of them.


The shrine inside the gates of the People's Park

Earlier in the day the Leddy family expressed their gratitude to everyone (young and old) in Navan and beyond who have shared their grief.

They were aware of the vigil and gathering to remember Mikey in the People's Park and requested all there respect the local residents, and that no alcohol be consumed by underage teenagers.


Huge numbers turned up to the People's Park to remember Mikey Leddy 

Mikey's brother, Daniel, who bravely attended the vigil would no doubt report back that there was no need for concern, the young people of Johnstown had organised this event, had thought of the balloons, the lanterns, the playlist, the t-shirts, the photographs and had carried it off beautifully.


Tragic...Mikey Leddy

There will be very hard days to follow for the young people of Johnstown as Mikey comes home to be laid to rest. Tonight, they can look on at what they did with pride.

The gentle flames of the Chinese lanterns may have drifted up, away and out of sight, but the youth of Johnstown are determined to ensure Mikey Leddy's memory will always burn bright.