The tragic disocvery was made on Monday morning
A community is in mourning after the body of a 14-year-old boy was discovered in the middle of a schoolyard in Co Laois.
The discovery was made at 8am on Monday morning outside St Paul’s National School in Portlaoise by the school’s principal and caretaker.
The tragic death has struck a large family that is well known within the local community.
St Paul’s Principal Des Sutton told The Irish Daily Star that the death of the local boy was “a very, very sad situation.”
He confirmed that the boy as not a past pupil of the school.
“We didn’t know the young man,” he said.
When we arrived, it was obvious that he had already been dead for a while.
“It was a tragic death, but I hope he is at peace now.”
“I feel so bad for his family, who are a big part of the community.
“It’s just so sad to see, it’s a very sad situation for that family,” Mr Sutton added.
The entire school community was today said to be “shocked and shattered.”
Gardai were called to the scene yesterday and the boy was removed from the scene before the school day started.
Gardai say they are treating the discovery as a tragic incident and foul play is not suspected.