Tributes to 'kind, gentle and sincere' Billy Rockett of Kilmacow, County Kilkenny

Billy Rockett has been described as 'kind, gentle and sincere' as tributes pour in from near and far following his tragic death in a road traffic accident yesterday.

Strangemills National School said that past pupil Billy is fondly remembered as a kind, gentle and sincere young boy.

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"The Rockett family were hugely involved in our school community for many many years," they said.

"Our school is devastated by the tragic and untimely passing of Billy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jo, Liam, Ellen, Marie and Hannah at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Billy was a first year pupil at Abbey Community College in Waterford, and the school has since shared their deep sadness following his passing.

"Our school community are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our first year student, Billy Rockett," they said.

"This is a terrible tragedy for the family, school and wider community. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Rockett family, our students and staff at this time.

"Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been with us today advising us in our efforts to support the school community. Billy will greatly missed by all of us that knew him."

Waterford Blues Supporters Club have also paid tribute to Billy.

"Yesterday was a very difficult day for all the Blues family with the tragic news of the passing of one of our own, Billy Rockett at the young age of just 13," they said.

"Billy, along with his sisters, has been a Junior Blue for the last number of years attending games with his dad Liam, who we are keeping in our thoughts and praying for a speedy recovery.

"It’s very hard to put into words the devastation his loss will be for all his family, friends and the blues community and we offer our sincerest condolences to Liam, Josephine and girls at the utterly heartbreaking time. May you sleep easy."

Billy is the treasured son of Liam and Jo (Née Dowling), he will be sadly missed by his heartbroken sisters Ellen, Marie and Hannah, adored grandson of Willie and Helena, uncles Sean, Patrick, Martin and Donie, aunts Fionnuala, Trish and Georgina, aunts and uncles in law, all his beloved cousins, extended family, neighbours and Billy's many friends.