Latest news with #SligoUniversityHospital
Dublin Live
6 days ago
- Health
- Dublin Live
Doctor based in Ireland loses nine nieces and nephews in Israeli airstrike on Gaza
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Sligo-based paediatrician has shared his anguish following the loss of his nine nieces and nephews in a devastating Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Dr. Ali Al Najjar, who is on the medical staff at Sligo University Hospital, is grieving after the majority of his sister Dr Alaa al-Najjar's family died in the strike. While Dr Alaa Al-Najjar was on duty at the Nasser medical complex during the attack, one of her sons survived, but her husband Dr Hamdi al-Najjar is critically injured. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, seven of her 10 children were brought to the very hospital where she works just hours after their deaths. The youngest child, six-month-old Sayden, is still buried under debris following the airstrike that hit Khan Younis on Friday, May 23, reports the Irish Mirror. Overwhelmed by the news of the missile strike, Dr Al Najjar described himself as being like a "mad person" in his frantic search for information. He detailed the extreme difficulty in contacting family members in Gaza, mentioning that his last conversation with his sister was about three weeks before the tragic incident on Friday. "She was describing how life is like while she walks among the rubble," he said. "She usually walks as her eyes stare at the sky. Because every building she looks at carries out its own special memory." He told RTE's Liveline: "All you'd be looking at is rumble, dismantled, destroyed houses, buildings - we have memories with every single thing you see around you. I remember specifically she said I don't know what life is about at your side - we believe that we are already experiencing what doomsday is." Dr Al Najjar recounted the harrowing reality that in Gaza, residents part ways with a sense of finality, due to the pervasive fear of death. He said: "Every moment, she tells me, when I meet or greet anybody on the street, we'll always be saying farewell or goodbye - we never know when we're going to meet again. Everybody is expecting his moment at any time." Even amidst the relentless bombings, Dr Al Najjar said his sister urged her children to stay optimistic. He added that global outrage and particularly condemnation from within the Jewish community gives him hope "that one day this nightmare will end". Nevertheless, Dr Al Najjar stressed the neeed for government intervention to pressurise Israel into halting its military strikes. He said: "Has (humanity) done enough that what is happening in Gaza won't be repeated again?" Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
Sligo doctor says "heart has been displaced" after losing nieces and nephews in Gaza strike
A doctor living in Sligo who lost nine nieces and nephews in an Israeli strike on Gaza last Friday has said his "heart has been displaced". Dr Ali Al-Najjar has worked at Sligo University Hospital for the past six years. His sister Dr Alaa Al-Najjar is a paediatrician in Khan Younis. An Israeli airstrike hit her home after she had left for work at Nasser Hospital, killing nine of her ten children. Alaa's husband, Hamdi Al-Najjar, who is also a doctor, is in critical condition while her only surviving son Adam is seriously injured. Speaking to Liveline on RTÉ Radio 1 from Saudi Arabia, Ali described his sister as "the most resilient person I've ever met" and said she is now spending all her time with her husband and son in the hospital. "They have no home to return back to, the building was levelled to the floor," he said. "You are always connected to the media and watching the news every minute, hoping you won't be reading about one of your relatives. But every life that has been lost is related to me, we are all human, we are all the same." Ali recalled seeing the news unfold on social media: "The horrible pictures of charred bodies being pulled from the rubble, and they were her kids." Ali said he would keep in touch with Alaa when they could overcome difficulties in communication such as lack of electricity and internet in Gaza. He said she recently described life there as "experiencing what doomsday is". Staff at Sligo University Hospital have been fundraising for Ali's family in Gaza. A post on GoFundMe describes him as "a valuable member of our team here in Sligo University Hospital" who has "greatly contributed to the wider Sligo community."
Irish Post
21-05-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Fundraiser for family of boy, 7, who died in Co. Sligo tragedy raises more than €22,000
A FUNDRAISER set up to help the family of a young boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off the coast of Co. Sligo has raised more than €22,000. Alan Singh, 7, was rescued from the water at Lissadell Beach on Saturday afternoon and airlifted to Sligo University Hospital, where he sadly passed away. The St John's National School pupil is due to be laid to rest tomorrow. A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to support the family, who run a restaurant in Ballisodare. "As a community we are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Alan Singh following a tragedy at Lissadell," read the appeal. "Our thoughts are with his parents IqbalJeet (Indie) and Andrea (Dzurikova), his sister Aisha, grandparents, family, friends and all his classmates at St John's National School, Ballisodare." It added: "All donations will go directly towards covering expenses and helping his family through this incredibly difficult time." 'Always smiling' In a tribute this week, the Principal of St John's National School described Alan as 'a treasured member of our Second Class'. "Alan was a much-loved pupil — always smiling, warm and full of kindness," said Mary Curley. "He was friendly, hardworking and a talented young artist who brought joy and creativity to our classrooms. "His gentle nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him." Alan's funeral will take place tomorrow at the Church of the Assumption in Collooney, with burial afterwards in Sligo Cemetery. To donate to the GoFundMe appeal, please click here. See More: Ballisodare, Sligo
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Family of ‘dearly loved' boy, 7, who drowned at Sligo beach confirm funeral details amid tributes for ‘beautiful angel'
THE heartbroken family of a "dearly loved" seven-year-old boy who drowned at a beach in Sligo last weekend has confirmed he will be laid to rest this week. Alan Singh, from Ballisodare in Co , sadly passed away shortly after gardai and emergency services when the alarm was raised at Lissadell Beach on Saturday. Alan was The Irish Coast Guard's search and rescue helicopter Rescue 118 airlifted the boy to Sligo University Hospital, but he later died. Alan was a second class pupil at his local St John's National school in Ballisodare. He is said to be "dearly loved and sadly missed" by his devastated parents IqbalJeet and Andrea, as well as sister Aisha, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and classmates. READ MORE IN NEWS His family confirmed that his funeral will take place at 11am on Thursday morning at the Church of the Assumption in Collooney. He will be buried following the mass at Sligo Cemetery at 12.30pm. Tributes have rolled in for little Alan, with mourners remembering him as "a beautiful angel". Fianna Fail councillor Edel McSharry said: "Sincere condolences to Alan's mother Andrea, father IgbalJeet, sister Aisha and all his family and friends in St Johns national school on the sudden and traumatic passing of beautiful Alan. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "I am so sorry that you are going through the heartbreak of his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope you find the strength to carry Alan in your hearts forever. Rest in peace with the Angels Alan." Why Bright Swimsuits Can Save Your Kids' Lives One mother said: "Condolences to Alan's family his Mum, Dad and sister, Alan's extended family his friend's and his classmates. "A beautiful little angel lent to this world for a very short time but no doubt will leave a lasting impression on everyone that knew him. I cannot even imagine your pain I can only pray for you all." A local parent said: "Sincere sympathy to the Singh family on the tragic loss of your beautiful little boy Alan dear little boy you have touched so many hearts with your sad passing especially the community of Ballisodare your wee face will be missed by so many but especially your dear Mum Dad sister and grandparents." Another said: "Can't stop thinking about Alan and all his family & friends since the news broke on Saturday. "Lissadell beach is a stones throw from our house and it's so sad to think such a tragedy happened here. "Such a gorgeous little boy. Look after each other until you reunite with your little boy. Rest in peace little angel." SCHOOL'S TRIBUTE In a statement, Principal Mary Curley told how the next few days will be difficult for everyone in the school community. The She said: "It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our pupils, Alan Singh, a treasured member of our Second Class, who died in a tragic drowning accident at Lissadell Beach yesterday evening''. Describing Alan, she said: "Alan was a much-loved pupil—always smiling, warm, and full of kindness. FLOAT TO LIVE THE RNLI has launched a new Float to Live campaign during National Water Safety Awareness Week in Ireland. They are encouraging members of the public to know the steps to remember if they find themselves struggling in water. The advice is simply Float to Live. Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: "Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about. "They should ignore the instinct and remember to float. Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. "We all float differently, so if your legs sink a bit don't worry. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. "Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety." She added: "The seas around our coasts are cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users. "Many people who end up in danger never planned to enter the water, so this advice could be a lifesaver for anyone who is heading to the water – even those who are experienced, and those who have no plans to enter the water." If you witness someone else struggling in water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. "He was friendly, hardworking, and a talented young artist who brought joy and creativity to our classrooms. His gentle nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him". Principal Curley confirmed the school will remain open as normal but psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service will be on site from this morning to support the school community. She added: "Resources will also be provided to parents to help support their children through this time of grief. "We respectfully ask for privacy for Alan's family and for our school community as we all come to terms with this tragic loss. "On behalf of everyone at St. John's, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences". 1 Little Alan died on Saturday Credit:
Irish Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Fundraiser launched to support family of Alan Singh, 7, who died at Sligo beach
A fundraiser has been launched to support the family of schoolboy Alan Singh, who died after he got into difficulties at a Sligo beach at the weekend. Seven-year-old Alan was in the water at Lissadell Beach in Sligo on Saturday enjoying a day out with family members. The young boy got into difficulty and the alarm was raised at around 3.30pm. He was given medical assistance onshore before being airlifted to Sligo University Hospital, where he sadly died. The young boy was a pupil at St John's National School in Ballisodare and his dad, IqbalJeet, runs a popular takeaway restaurant in the town. Now, his local community is rallying around his heartbroken family to raise money to cover expenses and help them through this 'incredibly difficult time'. The GoFundMe fundraiser, 'In Memory of Alan Singh' which has already raised over €17,000, was launched on Monday. 'As a community we are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Alan Singh following a tragedy at Lissadell,' the fundraiser reads. 'Our thoughts are with his parents IqbalJeet (Indie) and Andrea (Dzurikova), his sister Aisha, grandparents, family, friends and all his classmates at St John's National School, Ballisodare. 'Alan's family are well known as they run the local 5 in 1 Pizzeria here in the village. 'All donations will go directly towards covering expenses and helping his family through this incredibly difficult time.' Earlier, Alan's heartbroken dad IqbalJeet took to the 5 in 1 Takeaway Facebook page to announce the passing of his son. 'It's with great sadness that we have experienced the loss of my beautiful son Alan. 'Thank you to all my family, friends and customers for their kindness and support at this difficult time.' Alan's school principal Mary Curley said the young boy was a 'much-loved student' and will be dearly missed. Paying tribute, she said: 'Alan was a much-loved pupil — always smiling, warm, and full of kindness. He was friendly, hardworking, and a talented young artist who brought joy and creativity to our classrooms. 'His gentle nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.' The schoolboy's funeral will be held on Thursday at the Church of the Assumption, Collooney at 11am followed by burial in Sligo Cemetery at 12.30pm. Alan will repose at the Church View Funeral Home, Collooney on Wednesday afternoon from 4pm to 7pm. Removal will take place on Thursday at 10.45am ahead of the funeral. Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from mourners expressing their sadness at the tragic loss of Alan. 'Sincerest condolences to all of Alan's Family and friends on his tragic passing, may his gentle soul rest in eternal peace, so unbelievably heartbroken for you all,' one tribute said. Another mourner wrote: 'My deepest condolences on the tragic loss of your beautiful little boy. He has the sweetest, kindest face. May God give you the strength to carry this incredibly heavy burden. 'Please know that so many people are thinking about you and praying for you. God bless.'
