Kerry school attended by Luke Silles praised for helping pupils cope with tragedy

Irish Independent

27-05-2025

Luke was a popular and engaging student at Tralee CBS where the school community is this week struggling to come to terms with his tragic loss.
Parents have spoken of counselling being made available to pupils with some staff returning from annual leave to help out during what has been an emotionally difficult time for everyone at the school.
School management hosted breakfast mornings this week where pupils are encouraged to talk about Luke and celebrate his life in a positive and engaging way.
For many of the pupils, Luke's death has been the first emotional challenge they will have faced in their young lives.
The Kerryman understands that pupils have received 'great comfort' from this bereavement process and by school management ensuring 'space and opportunity' is there for pupils who need to speak about Luke.
One parent said that 'every support' has been offered for the entire school community, and the extended community.
'There are listening ears and shoulders to cry on. There is time given to listening to stories and hear emotions,' she said.
'They've created a space for pupils to share memories and given them all the time they need to remember Luke. The right thing to do is to help the pupils through this. The staff and everyone connected with The Green family deserve huge credit for the way they have handled this tragedy,' she added.
Tralee CBS The Green will close on Wednesday for the funeral of Luke Silles which will arrive at St Brendan's Church, Clogher on Wednesday at 10:30am for 11:00am Requiem Mass followed by interment afterwards in New Rath Cemetery.