Tributes paid to 3 teens who died in Cookstown 'crush'

Three teenagers have died following reports of a crush outside a St Patrick's Day disco in Northern Ireland.

Several hundred people were trying to get into the venue at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, after being dropped off by buses.

A 17-year-old girl and two boys aged 16 and 17 died, one at the scene and two later in hospital.

They've been named locally as Lauren Bullock, Conor Currie and Morgan Barnard.

Principal Catherine McHugh paid tribute to Lauren:

"We are shocked and saddened at the tragic death of our Year 13 student, Lauren Bullock.

"She was a beautiful girl, a shining light in our school community. She gave generously of her time and talents. She was a leader among her peers and a quiet strong and loyal presence. A treasured friend and capable young lady with a bright future. She was a member of the Pope John Paul Faith Team and our Rosary Prayer Group. She was a role model for positivity, good relationships and kindness. We have lost someone very dear to us and we will miss her greatly.

"Our thoughts are with her parents, her family and her friends in the coming days as they try to come to terms with their immeasurable loss.

"As a school community we are here to offer support. At Patrick’s College will be open from 1pm today and tomorrow for students who wish to gather and receive support. Our school Chaplain, Counselling services and the EA Critical Incident Team will be available in the coming days as necessary for our students and staff.

"At this time, we think of those families and young people impacted by this terrible tragedy and will do what is needed to support them."

Edendork Gac also paid tribute to Connor Currie.

They said: "As a club and community, we are deeply saddened and devastated to hear of the tragic passing of our much loved and highly thought of player and member Connor Currie.

"To Eamon, Ciara, Sean, Cormac, Cahir and to the wider Currie and Kelly families, we convey our deepest and heartfelt sympathies.

"Connor will forever be remembered with the greatest affection by all associated with our club and indeed the wider Edendork community.

"We are all in shock at Connor’s untimely passing, to lose a dear friend and team mate is one of the most difficult life experiences you will have to face. Should any of our young people need any assistance or someone to speak to in the time ahead please call; Samaritans, official helpline of the GAA and available 24-7, on their free-phone number 116 123 Or Lifeline, a crisis response helpline service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0808 808 8000.

"As a club, it is important that we keep together and support each other through this difficult time.

"There will be a prayer service this evening at the Des Fox Pavilion at 6pm, and professional counselling available until 9pm.

"House STRICTLY private tonight. Further wake and funeral arrangements later.

"St Malachy pray for him."

Many friends have taken to social media to pay tributes to Morgan Barnard.

One friend wrote: "Not only did I lose a friend,but a brother from another mother💔R.I.P morgan❤️ rest easy bro👋until we meet again", while another said "So devastated at the news of one of my best friends! Gonna miss you loads Morgan, Rest In Peace ❤️ Condolences to both Connor and Lauren’s families also x"