“Gilbert was a great player, teammate and friend”
Gilbert Collins pictured in the back row of this Waterford Crystal team picture.
15-year-old Gilbert Collins has been remembered as a young lad that always thrived to push himself on the football field going from playing at a young age with the Southend United academy to moving to Waterford Crystal where he played with their Under 16A League side this season.
As tributes continue to pour in for Gilbert and his 17-year-old friend Avu Idris, who both died following an accident between an e-scooter and bus on the main Cork Road in Waterford in the early hours of Thursday morning last, his former clubs have paid tribute to the teenage, who always done his best.
As the two families still try to come to terms with the tragedy accident that occurred at around 1.45am on Thursday morning, many of both Gilbert and Avu’s friends have also shared their support on the loss of two young lads on social media. Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Jason Murphy has also opened a Book of Condolence.
Remembering Gilbert Collins, who resided at Ardmore Park in Ballybeg, Waterford Crystal said that they were “shocked and saddened” at the loss of a lad that was “not only a very good player, teammate and friend, but a nice lad.” “To say everyone at Waterford Crystal is hugely shocked and saddened at the news that came through yesterday of the tragic passing of Gilbert Collins would be a massive understatement,” said the Crystal club.
“Gilbert played for the club at various age groups and was part of our U16 squad this season, Gilbert was a very good player, teammate and friend but was also a nice lad.
“The club would like to pass on its deepest condolences to his family and friends at this really difficult time. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time. Our thoughts are also with coaches , teammates and other friends that Gilbert had in his time in Waterford Crystal.
“We would also like to pass on our condolences to the family of Avu Idris who also lost his life in this tragic accident.”
Gilbert’s former club Southend United have also paid tribute to the youngster. “It is with great sadness that the club has heard of the untimely passing of one of our former players Gilbert Collins in a tragic accident which has seen two young boys lose their lives.
“Southend United would like to extend its condolences to Gilbert’s family and friends and also to the family and friends of Avu Idris who are also in mourning. Gilbert played most of his young life with us until moving to Waterford Crystal and all of our thoughts and prayers are with both families at this very sad time.”
Meanwhile the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy has opened a Book of Condolence for the Waterford community to express their sympathies and support to the grieving families.
Mayor Murphy said, "Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this devastating loss. We can only imagine what both families are going through - for two young boys to die at such a young age."
Members of the public may sign the Book of Condolence at City Hall, The Mall, and the Civic Offices, Dungarvan during the hours of 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday, or sign the online book at this link.
