Laois TDs pay tribute to father and son who lose lives on Turkish holiday

Laois TDs Brian Stanley and Charlie Flanagan have extended their condolences and support to the family of a dad and his young son who died on holiday in Turkey.

Eoin Fitzpatrick, who was in his 30s, and his son Dylan, aged 10, lost their lives in a road crash on Monday – the day the family had planned to fly home from Alanya.

Laois-based Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley said the family lives near him and grandparents on both sides of the family are well known in Portlaoise.

“Obviously there’s shock and devastation at the loss of these two people,” he told RTE’s News At One programme.

“The 10-year-old would have been very popular in the neighbourhood… (people) would have seen him mixing with the kids here.”

Dep Stanley described the deaths as an “awful tragedy”, adding: “My heartfelt sympathies go to the mother of the boy and also to the parents of the deceased man and the grandparents on both sides.

“In the days and weeks ahead, the community in Portlaoise will rally around both families and hopefully be able to give them some support and comfort,” he said.

Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan also paid tribute.

“I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the families involved in the awful tragedy in Turkey and understand that the Department of Foreign is providing Consular assistance at this difficult time,” he said

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it was aware of the case and is providing consular assistance but would not provide any more details.