HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to a young Irish boy who tragically died in road crash in the UK.
Dara O’Connor of Hollywood, Birmingham, UK and Streamstown, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, passed away on Monday, March 23.
The young boy died at the Queens Hospital Nottingham surrounded by his loving family following the tragic road collision.
In a death notice online, Dara’s parents Garry and Laura described the little boy as “a bright light in the lives of all who knew him.”
They added: “It is with unspeakable heartbreak that Garry and Laura announce the passing of their cherished little boy, Dara, following a tragic road accident.
“Dara passed away peacefully on the 23rd March 2026 at the Queens Hospital Nottingham surrounded by his loving family.
“Dara was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him.
“He brought immeasurable joy, love and kindness into this world and his memory will be held forever in the hearts of his devastated parents, Garry and Laura and his adored little brother Pádraic.
“He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his heartbroken grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and his many friends throughout Ireland and the UK.
“Our lives are forever changed by his presence and shattered by his loss.”
A celebration of Dara’s life is set to take place on Friday, April 17 at 3:30pm in Waseley Hills Crematorium, East Chapel, New Inns Lane, Rubery, B45 9TS.
Dara’s family also confirmed the service will be streamed online.
In a moving tribute, Dara’s granny Mag thanked her “guardian angel” for the “wonderful memories” and fun times they shared.
She said: “My dearest darling precious grandson Dara our lives have changed forever. It breaks our heart to have lost you.
“The bond we shared as Granny and grandson is truly special, that no amount of time or distance can ever take away.
“Dara thank you for all the wonderful memories and all the fun times we shared together. Thank you for choosing me to be your Granny Mags, what a privilege.
“Your light will live on in my heart always, your love and your memory is my forever keepsake. You are our little guardian Angel Dara.”
Dara’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with family, friends and loved ones paying tribute to the “precious soul” in heartbreaking messages.
And the family have also been commended for their ‘bravery” after Dara became an organ doner.
One mourner said: “Dara was a joy, a bundle of love, who brought happiness to everyone around him and will always be remembered this way.
“May his beautiful little soul rest in peace and watch over us all.”
Someone else added: “With all the words in the dictionary, putting none of them together will make the unimaginable pain of losing this precious soul easier. Sleep in heavenly peace.”
A third wrote: “No words can express comfort for your broken hearts. For Dara to be taken from you so suddenly and unexpectedly changes the direction of what you thought was your life path.
“Your bravery in donating Dara’s organs to give life to other families is so brave and courageous. His smile and laugh is engraved in your hearts forever.
“I know Mags, through other friends and we shared “Nana excitement” when Dara arrived. I have thought of you all every day.”
