A MEMORIAL has been held for Dublin teenager Josh Dunne who died tragically on Tuesday night.
There were emotional scenes yesterday afternoon as a crowd of Josh's family, friends and teammates gathered on a sports pitch in Josh's hometown of Ballymun to release balloons and pay homage to the 16-year-old.
Josh was fatally stabbed in an incident at East Wall on Tuesday night, after he allegedly stepped in to try and stop an assault on a man who had been accused of stealing a bicycle.
Josh Dunne has been praised as a hero for intervening in the attack. (Facebook)The teenager was not initially involved in the conflict, and had been trying to calm the situation when he was attacked and killed.
Tributes have been flooding in for the youngster, including a fundraiser to help raise money for his funeral, and many have lamented the loss of a 'kind' 'good-hearted' teenager who was a talented soccer player and who had a bright future ahead of him.
A little tribute we left for Josh Among all the flowers and amazing tributes. pic.twitter.com/1LTKIv90Ni
— St Kevin's Boys FC (@stkevinsboysfc) January 28, 2021
In a statement, Josh's family described him as "an amazing, happy and talented boy who was tragically taken from our lives at just 16 years old".
"Josh’s smile lit up every room he walked into and he had a promising career ahead of him on the football pitch."
They thanked the public and the local Ballymun community for their support at what is an unspeakably difficult time, and yesterday the community appeared in their droves to hold a physical memorial for the tragic teenager.
Josh Dunne's mam was led out to the memorial for her son by his team mates at St.Kevin's Boys with baloons of rememberance yesterday in Ballymun.
Rest in peace young man.
📷 Colin Keegan pic.twitter.com/Cocl9TUJNc— League Of Ireland Media (@loimedia) January 29, 2021
Josh's mother, Diane, was led out on to the pitch by some of Josh's teammates, with DublinLive reporting that balloons in the colours of the Bohemians and St Kevin's Boys FC club were released into the sky.
Mourners lit flares and played a number of Josh's favourite songs, including Tupac's Ghetto Gospel, as tearful teenagers embraced and comforted each other as they paid tribute to their friend.
Gardaí have arrested one man in connection with Josh's murder, and are not believed to be looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation at this time.
Gardaí in Store Street Garda Station have appealed for anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.
Investigations continue.
