Tributes to ‘talented and gifted’ Hannah
Tributes have been paid to 13 year-old schoolgirl Hannah Wiley, who died in a horse riding accident in Eglinton on Friday.
The Artigarvan teenager was taking part in a showjumping event at the Eglinton Equestrian Centre on Friday evening when she was killed.
The Strabane Academy pupil was well-known in local horseriding circles and has been described as a “talented and gifted student.”
Her school principal, David Hampton, was among those who paid tribute to teh teenager following the tragedy.
“Hannah was extremely polite and well-mannered and was a pleasure to have in our school. She was an exceptional young girl, the whole school is extremely shocked by her death. For something like this to happen is extremely sad. Our thoughts are with Hannah’s family,” he said.
Paul MacKenzie, chairman of training at the Showjumping Association of Ireland, said everyone involved in horseriding has been shocked by the incident. “As a father myself I can only imagine the sheer devastation Hannah’s family and friends are experiencing at this sad time,” he said.
Rev Mark Russell from Leckpatrick Presbyterian Church said the local community have been helping the Whiley family come to terms with their loss.
“Hannah was a great child, a very quiet girl, so full of fun and energy and very committed to everything she was involved in. I have had so many phone calls from people in the community shocked by the news.
“The family have been encouraged to hear so many people have thinking about them,” he said.
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Weather for Derry
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South west
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Light showers
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