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Fun-loving Phoebe Prince remembered by Irish and U.S. friends

APRIL DREW,

Irish Voice Reporter

Published Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 11:40 PM

Updated Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 2:35 PM

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Phoebe Prince (left) pictured with friends before her tragic death

A portrait of a fun loving and popular young girl drawn from comments by friends both here in America and back in Ireland has emerged about Phoebe Prince, the tragic young Irish girl who was bullied to death.

Locals in Fanore a small village in West Clare, who remember her fondly are happy justice is now being served as news crosses the Atlantic this week that nine teenagers were charged in connection with the suicide of the local Irish girl .

Pat O’Donoghue, proprietor of O’Donoghue’s Bar in the small seaside town told Irishcentral.com on Tuesday the village welcomed the news that the teenagers in South Hadley, Massachusetts involved in bullying Phoebe before she took her own life will be held accountable.

“We are happy with the news. It’s tough with kids at that age and it certainly doesn’t bring poor Phoebe back but at least some justice is being done,” said O’Donoghue.”

Phoebe moved from England to Fanore when she was two with her British father, Jeremy Prince, and her American mother, Annie O’Brien Prince, her sisters Lauren, Tessa and Bridget, and brother Simon.

“They lived here for a number of years. What can I say?” asked O’Donoghue. “It’s just so sad.”

Jeremy moved the family to Ireland to set up a blueberry farm in Fanore, and shortly after Annie got a job teaching in Lisdoonvarna.

“They are the nicest family. They contributed to society and always had a good word to say,” said O’Donoghue. “They were often down in the pub here with us and fitted right in.”

Phoebe’s older sister, Tessa worked in O’Donoghue’s for many years helping out.

“Tessa is a wonderful girl and was always very pleasant when she worked here,” said O’Donoghue.

“When we heard the news over here about what happened in January we were shocked. The whole community is still very shaken up over it, and I don’t just mean us here in Fanore. The people of Lisdoonvarna and Doolin too because we are all very close (in proximity).”

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michealcollins | Apr 02, 2010, 11:00 PM EDT

In response to Everydaydad, if the administration and teachers had have been doing their jobs, this would have been avoided. To turn this around and blame the mother is beyond comprehension. Are you a friend of one of the accused? Furthermore, bullying doesn't mean physical force being applied. Verbal abuse is as bad as being physically abused. "These kids accused should be let off"? Where is the logic in that? So they are not to be held responsible? Talk about lecturing on bad choices. You have made several here. Im ashamed to be Irish?????? Sorry I don't follow the logic here either. By the way having been born and raised in Belfast before immigrating, I've had some experience with bullies and their words hurt just as much as their fists, boots and rifle butts.

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EveryDayDad | Apr 02, 2010, 07:46 PM EDT

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Phoebe's Mom was aware of the harassment and that it was growing. Why would you continue to take your child to such an environment. They had choices. They could have home-schooled, changed schools, the choices are limitless. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change (other kids bullying), the power to change the things I can (home or other school) and the wisdom to know the difference (well, they missed this one all together and now it's too late). A sad sad tragedy. Phoebe made a bad choice that cost her her life. If Phoebe had more support and action-based involvement from her parents her death may have avoided. Teasing and getting teased or "Bullied" which to me involved physical force is a part of growing up just like losing a job, a wife or other significant loss. These kids accused should be let off. They will not forget that society is pointing the finger at them. This could lead to more suicides if it continues. Nothing's going to bring Phoebe back and she did kill herself alone. Bad choice Phoebe. If anything, I think her parents should be charged with child endangerment resulting in death for continuing to force Phoebe to go to that school. School is not daycare people, its a learning environment. If your kids not in an environment they can learn in, change it! Don't use public schools as your baby sitter so you can sit home on the couch or make what (money???) and blame everyone else. Lessons learned everywhere on this one. Alot of good those do Phoebe now. Rest in Peace.

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killowen | Apr 02, 2010, 05:38 PM EDT

Stay away from chatting and exchanging over the www its not only stupid telling folks about your unimportant self but dangerous. An opportunity for low lives to gain your confidence leading to ........ you can figure from here on in - take a walk - kick or throw a ball but get off these ensnaring tools that "we gotta have" nonsense.

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EricSimmons | Apr 01, 2010, 12:14 AM EDT

TWW is fully commiting to the "STOP CYBER-BULLYING" initiative in memory of Phoebe Prince. Read my blog and show your support by forwarding it to everyone you know. Spread the message & STOP the Cyber-bullying here: http://www.topworldwebsite.com/blog/twweditorsblog/3594

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savvylady | Mar 31, 2010, 11:38 PM EDT

Phoebe may be gone, but her legacy will live on as the impetus of change...how bullying is handled by the schools and the need for accountability by the staff and administration, recognition by South Hadley and other communities that you have a moral resposibility as parents to educate your children about all types of bullying and not stay oblivious to their hateful acts and the formation of strong anti-bullying legislation in MA and all over the USA. It time to out all of you pathetic cowards who engage in this behavior and to hold your parents responsible as well. Rest in peace dear Phoebe, your in a far better place. May God bless and bring comfort your family.

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phoebewsmifrind | Mar 31, 2010, 09:06 PM EDT

phoebewas my friend i cant belive these stupid jerks did this to her i miss her so much phoebe was my best friend i loved her and still do i am going to her funeral i will always miss you<3

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mslynchie | Mar 31, 2010, 05:52 PM EDT

I pray for Phoebe's family. I hope that with the love & support from family & friends they feel comfort. To the mean boys and girls, your day will come, it may not be today or tomorrow, or even next year but it will come. There is no excuse for your actions so I would really ask that the parents of these children please shut-up, there is no excuse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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thefallsroad | Mar 31, 2010, 04:45 PM EDT

I pray for Phoebe's family and friends. Please believe me that this kind of bullying is NOT typical American behavior. This crime is widespread, however. Teachers, Administrators and parents alike must be more aware of what is said and done in schools. Teens are especially vulnerable to taunts and threats. Phoebe sounds as though she was a happy, popular girl before entering her last school. As for being an 'Irish Whore', It remind all of those accused and those whose names won't be associated with this death: Let them among you who are without sin cast the first stone. God Bless you, Phioebe.

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ericalaughlin | Mar 31, 2010, 03:28 PM EDT

Thank you so much for this article. I've been waiting this entire time for an article remembering the lovely girl that she was. My prayers are with her family.

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hyattsville | Mar 31, 2010, 12:35 PM EDT

I’m really confused at the person who keeps asking if this would happen to a Jewish person? Every ethnic group has bullies and bullied. What would you call the Holocaust if not extreme and fatal bullying? Ethnicity wasn’t a feature of this particular case, several of the bullies having Irish names.

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borefield | Mar 31, 2010, 09:17 AM EDT

So senseless and sad. I feel the parents of these kids are very much responsible for the actions of their children's behavior. The school principle and teachers are also responsible. They put their heads in the sand and hoped it would work itself out. When my daughter was in 4Th. grade in the 80's, before internet or cell phones, I kept overhearing phone conversations of a feud between two groups in her grade, pretty nasty and meanspirited conversations were takeing place. I talked to her about it, some of it she shared with me but not all of it. I saw a pattern continue and spoke to other mothers about my concerns that this was getting out of control, some agreed with me, others took the "it is a kids issue and they will work it out." I took it upon myself to call the 4Th. grade teacher to come see her. She agreed to meet me at 7:30 a.m as I had to go to work. She was wonderful, told me she was aware of dissention and had actually contacted some of the parents and was met with indifference. After I shared what I knew and my concerns, she discussed in detail whit all the girls what they were into, gave them guidelines and just watched the whole thing diffuse. That dear teacher has since passed away. It all came back to me as I watched this story unfold. What 20 min. to a half hour of intervention may have avoided. I can't imagan those theachers, principle and parents putting their heads on their pillows at night without seeing this young girls face before them. I wish her family peace and healing.

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kfittizzi | Mar 31, 2010, 09:13 AM EDT

I have a 15 year old daughter and when she was younger she was bullied...it was horrible to watch how isolated she became and truly "sad" she was. Luckily, since high school it is 100% better, but I feel for this poor family. The school should of took care of this, and more times than none they don't. No one should be tormented like that, and my heart breaks. I'm glad they are pursuing charges against the school, the students and administration...this young girl took her own life because of people ignoring what was going on...NO MORE!!! This type of bullying behavior needs to be stopped!

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