RIP.
https://www.thesun.ie/news/4890046/luas-crash-victim-cormac-o-braonain/'TRAGIC LOSS' Labour Youth’s Cormac O Braonain named as Luas crash victim as Brendan Howlin and Michael D Higgins lead tributes Lauren Kelly
15 Dec 2019, 18:25 Updated: 15 Dec 2019, 18:57
TRIBUTES are being paid to Labour Youth's Cormac O Braonain who died after his bike collided with a Luas today.
The 19-year-old, who had been recently elected as chairperson, passed away in the crash near Charlemont Bridge in south Dublin early this morning.
He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has been removed to the City Morgue in Whitehall.
The tram was operating as part of the Luas Christmas night service.
'DEEPLY SHOCKED'
Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin paid tribute to the teen and sent his condolences to his heartbroken family and friends.
He said: "I was deeply shocked when I heard of Cormac's untimely death.
"On behalf of the Labour Party I want to express my deepest sympathy and sadness to his parents Lughaidh and Eva, and their family on the tragic loss of their son Cormac who had already done so much in his life to date.
"I want to also extend my condolences to Cormac’s many friends and comrades from every conceivable walk of life who will, like me, have been filled with inspiration and hope when spending time with Cormac.
"Cormac who was only 19 had recently taken over as Chairperson of Labour Youth and he had taken up the position with energy, enthusiasm and passion.
"At the same time he had also been appointed to our National Executive. During his time in the Party he had already made a huge impression, working tirelessly to advocate for the politics of our movement.
'POSITIVE FORCE FOR GOOD'
"As Director of Elections for Cllr Mary Freehill in the local elections he oversaw her re-election to Dublin City Council with an increased mandate. Within Labour Youth he was a positive force for good.
"When someone so young dies it is hard to find the words to express our loss but in his short time with us, he leaves a strong legacy.
"Cormac had achieved so much, and had brought so much new energy to Labour Youth. As Chairperson of the UCD Labour branch over the last two years he had re-invigorated the branch and was passionate in his campaigns and events.
"Cormac embodied all that was good about our movement and would have been a leading light in the future of our party, as he left no stone unturned in his drive for success.
"He was not just a democratic socialist but also a committed Gaeilgeoir and strong proponent of our national language.
'GRIEF AND SADNESS'
"Our grief and sadness are sharpened all the more by the wonderful memories we have of Cormac. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis."
President Michael D Higgins said he was "deeply saddened" by the news.
He said in a statement: “I have been deeply saddened by the tragic news of the untimely death of Cormac Ó Braoináin, activist and chairperson of Labour Youth.
"Cormac’s energy, idealism, generosity, creativity and commitment to social justice and his vision of a kinder, more just society were exemplary. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
"Sabina and I express our deepest condolences to his family and friends and to all those who were privileged to know him.”
'INSPIRING'
Labour Youth said Cormac was "inspiring and second to none".
They wrote on Twitter: "Cormac was the most passionate, energetic and good humoured person you could ever hope to meet.
"His passion and belief in a strong labour movement, in the Labour Party and in our own Labour Youth, was inspiring and second to none.
"He would have achieved so many great things, and it is Ireland's loss that we will never get to see what those things were.
"Our thoughts our with his family, his friends and all his comrades.
"We love you Cormac."
'GUTTED'
Cllr. Peter Kavanagh added: "Yesterday I was proud to stand with my comrade Cormac Ó Braonáin at the Rally For Peace. I was supposed to see him for a pint on Thursday.
"Gutted that he's gone. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal agus leaba i measc na naomh dó."
We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of our dear friend, comrade and chair, Cormac Ó Braonáin. pic.twitter.com/w2o7c8GSuR
— Labour Youth (@labouryouth) December 15, 2019
Cllr Conor Sheehan wrote on Twitter: "Devastated about the death of Cormac O Braonáin, chair of @labouryouth.
"I was only with him last Saturday in Belfast.
"A bright light in our movement destined for great things. A good friend and comrade who always had a story to tell with trademark wit and humour. #cormacobraonain."
