Andrew O’Donnell’s parents have told his funeral their son will remain “forever young” in their hearts.

The 18-year-old is one of two teenagers from St Michael’s College in Dublin who died on a Leaving Cert Holiday on the Greek island of Ios the weekend before last.

At his funeral service this morning he was remembered as a young man with a vibrant spirit, a kind heart, and a sense of humour that brightened the darkest of days.

Mourners heard that he was known for his sporting talents and love for his two golden retrievers, Marnie & Maisie.

His sports medals were brought to the altar by his Leaving Cert classmates, alongside a Kanye West record to acknowledge his love for music.

Hundreds of Flowers are left at St Michael's College Ballsbridge in remembrance of Max Wall and Andrew O Donnell who died in Greece last week, 08-07-2023. Image: RollingNews

Andrew's father Gavin told the funeral how proud he, and his mum Bebhinn were of him.

“Andrew filled out home with love and joy from the moment he arrived,” he said.

“He was a fantastic brother to Rory. We’ve heard so many stories of the friendship and fun that Andrew had in his recent years.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Andrew and the man he became and we will miss him dearly.

“Andrew will remain forever young in our hearts. He will never be forgotten and his memory will always be cherished.

“Goodbye, Andrew my beautiful boy.”

Harbour of Ios island in Greece during sundown

St Michael’s College Chaplain Fr Paddy Moran told the mass that Andrew wrote about his love for his family in his Leaving Cert English Paper One, just a few weeks ago on his 18th birthday.

He read out a Mother's Day card he wrote to his Mum Bebhinn, who is a huge rugby fan and the President of the official Leinster Supporter’s Club.

“Dear Mum, I love you so much Mum,” he wrote.

“I hope you realise how loved and appreciated you are. Nothing would be the same without you.

“PS is there any greater present than the Grand Slam.”

Greece, Cyclades, Ios island, church near Chora

The funeral was held at the Sacred Heart Church Donnybrook where Andrew’s classmate Max Wall, who also died on the island, was remembered on Monday.

Andrew’s body was discovered on the morning of Sunday, July 2nd in a rocky area near the island’s main town of Hora.

He had been reported missing by a friend who got separated from him while walking home the previous night and was found following an intensive search in the area.

It is believed he had a fall on his way home.

Later on Sunday, having been involved in the search, Max Wall became ill near the port area of the island.

He was rushed to hospital, where he subsequently passed away.

The pair had been part of a large group of more than 80 students from St Michael’s who had travelled to Ios for a post-Leaving Cert holiday.

Additional reporting Michael Staines.