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Wayne Rooney tells of sorrow over Buncrana pier death boys

Mark McGrotty (12) and his brother Evan (eight), who died at the Pier in Buncrana, Co Donegal<br />&nbsp;
Mark McGrotty (12) and his brother Evan (eight), who died at the Pier in Buncrana, Co Donegal
 
Mark McGrotty (12) and his brother Evan (eight), who died at the Pier in Buncrana, Co Donegal
 

MANCHESTER United star Wayne Rooney has answered an online appeal from friends of the two school boys who died in the Buncrana pier tragedy.

Mark (12) and eight year-old Evan McGrotty lost their lives along with their father Sean McGrotty (49), aunt Jodie Lee Daniels (14), and Jodie's mother Ruth Daniels (59) when their car slid into the water from an algae-covered slipway on Sunday.

The #rooneyformarkandevan campaign said Rooney was the boys' "biggest idol and we the people of Derry would love (it) if he said a few words in respect for the boys".

Rooney tweeted on Tuesday night: "Devastating news about young Mark, Evan & family from Derry. Your support hasn't gone unnoticed. Prayers with family #rooneyformarkandevan".

Jodie's friends have launched a similar online appeal asking Canadian singer Justin Bieber to make a video message in memory of the teenager.

They asked people to write messages on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #jbforjodie in the hope that the singer will respond.

One of the teenager's friends wrote on Facebook a "few of us girls came together and formed #jbforjodie? an organisation we made for Justin Bieber to recognise Jodie and make a short clip for her as she idolised him and loved him very much".

Another friend wrote that Jodie dreamt of meeting the singer.

"Her dream was to meet Justin Bieber and even have him sing at her wedding.

"Sadly this can't happen but we can get Justin Bieber to see us.

"We need you to put up #JBforJodie on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Even if you didn't know her please forward this to all your friends."