Northern Ireland

Cookstown crush victim Lauren Bullock was 'role model for positivity, good relationships and kindness'

Lauren Bullock was a pupil at St Patrick's College, Dungannon
Lauren Bullock was a pupil at St Patrick's College, Dungannon Lauren Bullock was a pupil at St Patrick's College, Dungannon

A CO Tyrone school has paid an emotional tribute to one of its pupils killed in the crush outside the Greenvale Hotel.

St Patrick's College in Dungannon said it was shocked and saddened by the tragic death of its Year 13 student Lauren Bullock.

The teenager from Ivybank in the nearby village of Donaghmore was described as a girl with great talent and capability.

Lauren (17) was a sixth form pupil at the Catholic secondary school, which stands next door to St Patrick's Academy, where the two other victims attended.

The teenager has been remembered as a role model who was a member of the Pope John Paul faith team and the Rosary prayer group.

The other two victims:

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Her principal Catherine McHugh said Lauren was "a beautiful girl" and "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," Ms McHugh said.

"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."

St Patrick's College opened yesterday afternoon for any pupils wishing to gather and receive support. It will do the same today.

"Our school chaplain, counselling services and the EA (Education Authority) critical incident team will be available in the coming days as necessary for our students and staff," Ms McHugh added.

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"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."

Outside school, Lauren was a leading member of the team Euphoria Allstar Cheerleading NI.

In an online tribute, the club said it was "absolutely devastated" to lose one of its senior athletes.

"You were the most down to earth, beautiful soul and our Coral team will never be the same without you. You were an incredible cheerleader and were the backbone of our team," the club said on Facebook.

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"I honestly cant put into words how much you will be missed. Thank you Lauren for giving me the pleasure of coaching you all this time. We love you Lauren, you're now shining over us all. We will never forget you. The brightest purple star in the sky. Our angel. Fly high our beautiful girl."

Studio 86 in Carrickfergus also said it was heartbroken to learn of the death of "such a beautifully talented athlete".

Members have been asked to wear purple to dance classes this week in tribute to Lauren.

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Meanwhile, Donaghy's Bar in Dungannon, where Lauren's father Martin works, was closed yesterday as a mark of respect following the shocking news.

She is also survived by her mother Mary and brothers Shane and Ryan.

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