'Inexpressible grief' on death of six year old Laois Polish boy

A Laois community is in mourning for a little six year old boy who has died.

Mateusz Orlowski, Buttercup Avenue, Esker Hills, Portlaoise, died on April 1, after a brief illness.

It has caused "inexpressible grief" to his devastated parents, Ewa Skalska and Mariusz Orlowski.

Mateusz is a dearly loved and cherished brother to Alekeandra (Ola), Anna and Franciszek (Frankie).

Deeply loved by his grandparents, Anna and Zbigniew Orlowski, uncles, aunts, and cousins, also by all his school mates.

His Requiem Mass took place in SS Peter and Paul's Church in Portlaoise on Tuesday, April 4, followed by private cremation in Newlands Crematorium.

A fundraiser has been launched to support the family through this traumatic time (fundraising link below story).

Wieslaw Dobosz is the organiser of the account which has received over €7,500 in donations.

"I am fundraising money to help Ewa and Mariusz who suddenly lost their son, Mateusz. During this difficult time, financial aid is very needed for this family. The money from this fundraiser will help them cope with this hard time and organising their future goodbyes with their child. Please consider donating, as any amount will truly help Mateusz family during this difficult time," he said. 

Many tributes and sympathies have been expressed to his family, including one from Portlaoise Combat Academy, where Mateusz was a student.

"Last Sunday I received the terrible news that a young student, Mateusz, has left us. The news of his death shocked me personally because Mateusz was a student I saw every day in my club. I know we will all miss him. I wish that on Monday I the door will open and Mateusz will come in confidently and say hi to me, will throw his shoes into the locker and run to the hall to mess around with his friends, who he had many of. On behalf of myself and the entire Club, I extend my condolences to Mateusz's entire family."

Scoil Bhride National School in Portlaoise also offered sympathies.

"Deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Orlowski family on the sudden and tragic loss of your beautiful son and brother. May Mateusz rest in eternal peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time," teacher Deirdre Fleming said. 

St Mary's CBS sent their condolences also.

"Deepest condolences to Frankie and all the Orlowski family and friends. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time. May Mateusz rest in peace," said Michelle Stapleton from the secondary school.

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"Absolutely heartbreaking so very sorry Ewa, Anna and all family and friends. Sleep peace among the Angels Mateusz. God bless and protect you all," another sympathiser said.

Link to the gofundme account for the family of Mateusz Orlowski.