A young and talented footballer was killed when a train hit his dad’s car at an Irish level crossing.

A 12-year-old boy, locally named as Eoin Doyle, died after the car he was travelling in with his father was hit by a train at a user-operated level crossing near Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, on Thursday evening. 

Eoin was pronounced dead at the scene, while his father, a local GAA coach and in his 40s, was taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

All train passengers were safely evacuated. 

Eoin was a sixth-class pupil at Cloonfad National School and was involved with Ballyhaunis GAA and Cloonfad United FC. 

The pair had recently celebrated Mayo’s historic All-Ireland victory before meeting captain Jack Coyne at a special event at Ballyhaunis GAA club. 

Eoin Doyle (pictured) was a sixth-class pupil at Cloonfad National School and was involved with Ballyhaunis GAA and Cloonfad United FC

Eoin was pronounced dead at the scene, while his father was taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening

His school and local community described him as a talented athlete and artist, a keen musician and footballer, and a happy, well-liked child. 

His parish priest said there was widespread shock and sadness in the local community and that Eoin had been returning from under-age training when the crash happened. 

A death notice posted on Rip.ie said Eoin’s funeral Mass would take place at 12pm on Tuesday at St Patrick’s Church, Cloonfad. 

The Gardaí are investigating the incident and are appealing to anyone who witnessed it to come forward.

As part of their investigation, they will interview the train driver in the coming days. 

Ballyhaunis GAA club paid tribute to the ‘wonderful young boy’.

They said in a statement on social media: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our young club member, Eoin Doyle.’