Teenage girl tragically dies in Galway Gaeltacht after 'medical emergency'

A teenager who was attending a Gaeltacht in Galway has tragically passed away after suffering a sudden "medical emergency".

The girl was believed to be attending a popular Gaeltacht in the Connemara region when the medical emergency occurred on Thursday afternoon at approximately 4.30pm.

The girl is said to have been from south county Dublin and suffered from health issues as well. The girl was reportedly out for a walk in the area when she suddenly collapsed.

Gardaí said in a statement that emergency services responded to a 'medical emergency', but the female teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her body was taken to University Hospital Galway.

The Irish Times reported that the girl was attending Coláiste na nOileán, a college located in Tír an Fhia. Lettermore College authorities decided to end the course a day early and students attending the pre-Junior Cert course returned home on Friday.

A statement issued by the college the the Irish Times on Friday said: “We had a tragic incident in the college yesterday in which one of our students sadly passed away due to a medical condition. As you can imagine, the students and staff are in shock and we are providing counselling to all who need it. We have contacted the various agencies also to help and advise us in this difficult situation.

“We have made the decision, for the wellbeing of all students and staff, to end the course today Friday 14th.

“As you can imagine this is a very difficult time for all concerned and out of respect for the family, we cannot give you too much specific information at this time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.”

The students, most of whom are first- and second-year secondary school students, were brought together in the main hall on Thursday evening where they were informed of the death before being broken into smaller groups. They were able to then call home to talk to their parents who had already been informed of what had happened.

The decision was taken to end the course a day early and transport was arranged for students. A bus brought students to a collection point in Kinnegad on Friday evening where parents then collected them.