Eoin was killed on Thursday evening when the car carrying him and his father was hit by a train at a level crossing in Kiltybo. Emergency services attended the scene, but the child was pronounced dead. His father was brought to hospital, where his injuries were described as not life-threatening.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Ballyhaunis and surrounding areas, where Eoin and his family were well known.
Local parish priest Fr Stephen Farragher has spoken about the deep sense of disbelief felt across the community. He said people had been struggling to process a tragedy of such magnitude involving a child who was known and loved by so many.
The priest attended the scene after being contacted by gardaí and later joined Eoin's mother in prayer. He said the response from the local community demonstrated how people come together during moments of profound grief.
People gathered at church to light candles and pray, while others offered support simply by talking and being present for one another.
Fr Farragher said the GAA would play an important role in helping Eoin's family and friends through the days ahead. Eoin had been returning from underage training when the collision occurred, while his father was closely involved with Ballyhaunis GAA.
The club has described Eoin as a much-loved member of its underage teams and said he would be remembered by the many teammates and friends he made during his time there.
The young boy was also a pupil at Cloonfad National School, where his death has brought enormous sadness. Staff and pupils have been left mourning a child remembered for his friendliness, kindness and talents.
The tragedy has also affected those directly connected with the train involved. Iarnród Éireann confirmed that its 6.15pm service from Heuston to Westport was involved in the collision and said an adult male travelling in the car was taken to hospital.
The railway company said it had begun a full investigation and had notified the relevant authorities.
For Fr Farragher, the events have been particularly painful because of the family’s strong links throughout the area.
He said the community was doing what it could to cope, with people turning to friends, neighbours and their faith for support. The response, he said, showed the strength of community ties at a time when many people were struggling to find words for their grief.
Eoin's death has also cast a shadow over what had been a hugely celebratory period for Mayo, following the county's All-Ireland success. Only days before the tragedy, Eoin and his family had been pictured with the Sam Maguire Cup during its visit to Ballyhaunis.
That recent image of the family celebrating together has become a poignant reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.
A funeral Mass for Eoin will be held at St Patrick's Church, Cloonfad, on Tuesday at noon, with burial afterwards in Ballyhaunis Cemetery.
As the investigation continues, the immediate priority for the Mayo community is to support Eoin's family, classmates, teammates and everyone affected by the tragedy.
