An investigation is under way following the death of a young boy in an incident on a farm in Co Galway on Saturday morning.
The boy, named locally as Mark Fordham was fatally injured after he fell into a machine on the family farm in Kilcolgan, Go Galway, at about 11am.
The Health and Safety Authority is investigating the incident.
Mark, aged 8, was a second class pupil at Kiltiernan National School.
Acting principal Bríd Fenlon said it was a “terrible tragedy” for the Fordham family, the school and the community.
“We are deeply saddened by this event,” she said in a statement.
“Our sympathy and thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends. Mark will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to have known him. We have been in contact with Mark’s parents who have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this time,”she said.
The school has implemented a critical incident management plan and support is being proviced by psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
Ms Fenlon said the school will be open on Monday and Tuesday in an effort to support both pupils and parents.
The acting principal asked that the media respects the privacy of the family and the school community.