‘Ella had a wonderful sense of humour and a sparkle that lifted every room’

An Inishowen primary school has paid a poignant tribute to a beloved young pupil killed in a tragic road crash outside Carndonagh on Wednesday evening.

Six-year-old Ella McLaughlin was a senior infant pupil at Carndonagh’s Scoil Chroí Naofa (formerly St. Patrick's Girls School), while her mum Natalie was also a past pupil of the school.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy for their family, for our school, and for the entire community. We are heartbroken, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ella and Natalie’s family, including Ella’s baby sister, Natalie’s partner, parents and siblings – and their many friends,” the school posted.

The school will remember Ella as a “joyful and much-loved pupil”.

“Ella will be remembered not only for her kindness, energy, and the happiness she brought to her classmates and teachers, but also for being a real mischievous character who was full of life and fun.”

“Ella had a wonderful sense of humour and a sparkle that lifted every room she walked into. Bringing great joy to those around her, Ella made a lasting impression on all of us. Ella will be deeply missed.”

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The school says it has activated its Critical Incident Management Plan, and psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been supporting and advising staff.

The school will be open this evening (Friday, July 4) from 6-7pm to parents, pupils and staff, past and present, offering support, advice, and a space to come together to remember Ella and Natalie.

“We have been working sensitively with parents and children to help them begin to understand and process this heartbreaking loss in a way that is age-appropriate, and will continue to do so over the coming days and weeks ahead,” they explained.