School pays tribute to Kerry teenager who died after tragic accident - ‘He was a shining light’

Tralee CBS The Green, the school attended by the late Luke Silles (18), said he was ‘a shining light’ and a kind-hearted, thoughtful, and gentle young person who brought warmth and positivity to those around him.

Luke, from Ballymacelligott, lost his battle for life on Friday evening when surrounded by his loving family at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) where he was admitted last Saturday (May 17) following a tragic swimming accident at Fenit in north Kerry.

Tralee CBS said his presence in the classrooms, on the corridors, and among his peers left a lasting impression. He had a quiet strength and a generous spirit that touched the lives of so many.

“Luke will be missed deeply by his friends, his classmates, and all the staff here at CBS The Green. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and we will remember him with great affection and sorrow,” said school management.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with Luke’s devoted family – his parents Paula and Tony, his brother Oran, who is in Second Year, and his sister Aimee. We cannot imagine the depth of their grief, and as a school community, we will walk beside them with care and support in the days, weeks, and months ahead,” Tralee CBS said.

The public support and sympathy for Luke and his family has come from across the community and sporting world. Luke enjoyed playing sport and had a wide circle of friends who are utterly devastated at the news of his passing.

Ballymacelligott GAA – a club close to Luke’s heart and that of his family – paid tribute to their friend on Saturday by saying, “The sun set in a black cloud last evening as our community mourned the loss of our beloved Luke Silles.”

“Luke was sporting, witty, smart and roguish. He was called early by our creator at just 18 years of age. His family and our club have been denied a great man, Rest in peace Luke.”

The club said it is suspending all media posts until after the funeral out of respect for ‘a family steeped in our club at all levels’.

A friend of the deceased has also spoken of his close friendship with Luke, and how he will be missed by so many.

“Luke was a one in a million guy. He was funny and kind and we can’t get used to thinking he is no longer with us. We will miss you. Goodbye my friend,” he said.

Tralee Dynamos Football Club, where Luke graduated from the Club Academy ranks since the age of 9, paid tribute to their colleague. Luke represented the club at all age levels with pride and distinction.

“An honest and unassuming young teenager, Luke forged strong and close relationships with all those around him,” said a club statement.

“Tralee Dynamos offers our sincerest condolences to Luke's family, including his Mom Paula, his Dad Tony, his sister Aimee and brother Óran.”

In a statement to The Kerryman earlier this week, Luke’s father, Tony, said his family was overwhelmed by the support, prayers and thoughtfulness that is extended to Luke in the days since the accident.

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