By Michelle Crean

The eldest brother of tragic teen Thomas Healy - who will be laid to rest tomorrow (Saturday) following a road accident this week - said that his much loved little brother would have been "superstar".

Jack Patrick Healy, who rushed home from London yesterday (Thursday) to be with his family, described how his heart is broken after hearing the shock news that Thomas passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning following an accident on Ross Road.

There was widespread shock and devastation at the news of the talented youngster from Beaufort - just hours after another tragic accident at Listry bridge which claimed the life of James O'Connor from Killorglin.

Thomas died after the car, a 95-KY reg Green Toyota Corolla Saloon that he was driving, crashed in a single vehicle accident at approximately 1.10am. A male passenger in the car, also aged 14, was rushed to University Hospital Kerry where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

The vehicle was subject to interaction with Gardaí prior to the collision and has been referred to GSOC.
Gardai again yesterday (Thursday) renewed their appeal for witnesses and for dash cam footage.

"I'm the eldest and he's the smallest," Jack Patrick, who himself is an entertainer, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"If he had the opportunity he'd have been a superstar. His ability as a singer was incredible, he had it naturally. He never got the opportunity."

A cousin of TD Michael Healy-Rae, Thomas also played for Beaufort GAA and Killarney Athletic. This week tributes were paid to his family, parents Julie and Ger 'The Singing Jarvey', by the clubs, as well as Cullina NS where he attended primary school, The Intermediate School Killorglin where he had just finished Second Year, as well as Kate Kearney's Cottage where he had just begun summer work collecting bottles.

Funeral Mass for Thomas will take place in St Mary's Church, Beaufort tomorrow (Saturday) morning and will be live streamed on the Beaufort Parish Facebook page at 11am, followed by burial in Churchtown Cemetery, Beaufort.

He is survived by his heartbroken parents, Julie and Ger, his brothers Jack, Danny and Michael, his grandmother Cathy Shine Griffin, uncles John, Anthony and Timmy, aunts Jackie and Nikki, cousins Joshua, Dominic, Timothy and Ceara, relatives, neighbours, Laura and Leona (brothers partners), his team mates in Beaufort GAA and Killarney Athletic AFC, his school friends in the ISK, Killorglin and his many friends.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Killarney Garda Station on 064 6671160 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.