TRIBUTES have poured in for a toddler who died just days after he graduated as an Honorary Garda.
Danny McLaughlin, who was a native of Trentagh in Co Donegal, sadly passed away “surrounded by his loving family” on Sunday.
Just last week the beloved child had graduated as an Honorary Garda through the Little Blue Heros Foundation, which is run by volunteer Gardai and retired Gardai.
The foundation works with seriously ill children and supports their families and the children they help will graduate as Honorary Gardai.
There was great excitement in the local area last week as little Danny earned his title and was presented with his certificate by Sergeant Gráinne McLoone and Sergeant Charlene Anderson.
In a heartbreaking tribute today, An Garda Siochana Donegal told how the youngster is now “in the arms of the angels”.
Officers said: “Our hearts are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Honorary Garda Danny Mc Laughlin (HG 622) from Trentagh.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, Michael and Annie, his twin brother Charlie and with his extended family and friends.
“Our little colleague, our little friend and one of our biggest heroes forever. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
The little boy is survived by his “heartbroken parents” Michael and Annie, by whom he was “loved so much” and will be missed by his twin brother Charlie and grandparents Marcus, Teresa, Sabrina and Livinius.
A notice online told how he will also be missed by his uncle Marcus, aunts Orla & Megan and extended family members, neighbours & friends.
Danny passed “peacefully” at his late residence surrounded by his family.
The tot is reposing at his home today but the family have requested the house to remain strictly private.
Danny’s funeral mass will take place tomorrow, February 25, at St Colmcille’s Church in Glendowan.
Interment will follow in Gartan cemetery and family flowers only have been requested.
‘BEAUTIFUL WEE DANNY’
Baby Danny is being remembered as a “beautiful” and “brave” boy.
One heartbreaking tribute reads: “Rest in peace beautiful wee Danny, I was privileged to meet and get to know this wee angel and will remember him forever and the beautiful loving care that he was surrounded in every second of his short and precious life.”
And a touching message from Letterkenny fire station read: “Sympathies to the family of the very brave Danny.
“Whilst Danny was a little blue hero, to us in the Fire Service, he was our little red hero. From all in Letterkenny Fire Station.”
Another tribute added: “My condolences to the McLaughlin family on the passing of H/Garda Danny.”
