The collision happened at a level crossing in Kiltybo shortly before 9pm on Thursday evening. Eoin was pronounced dead at the scene, while his father, Declan, was taken to hospital with injuries understood to be non-life-threatening.
For those who knew Eoin, the tragedy has been particularly difficult to comprehend because the young boy had spent the evening doing something he loved playing football with his friends at Ballyhaunis GAA. He was travelling home from underage training with his father, who was also involved with the club.
Eoin was a sixth-class pupil at Cloonfad National School and was remembered by those around him as a kind, friendly and talented child. His school said he had a particular love of music and was both an accomplished artist and athlete.
His sporting ability was also evident on the football field. Ballyhaunis GAA described Eoin as a talented young footballer who was greatly valued by his teammates and friends.
The club community has been left heartbroken by his death, with training and fixtures suspended as a mark of respect to Eoin and his family.
The young player had also been part of Cloonfad United FC, where he was remembered for his athletic ability and enthusiasm. His teammates, coaches and everyone connected with the club have been deeply affected by the loss.
The tragedy comes just days after Eoin and his family shared in one of Mayo's happiest recent moments. The family had been photographed with the Sam Maguire Cup during its visit to the Ballyhaunis area, alongside Mayo captain and Ballyhaunis clubman Jack Coyne.
Ballyhaunis GAA chairman William Nestor said the club was struggling to comprehend what had happened.
He described Eoin as an exceptional footballer with enormous potential, while recalling the close relationship between the young boy and his father.
Eoin's father had been heavily involved in the GAA and had coached his son. According to the club, the pair shared a particularly close bond and spent much of their time together.
The grief has extended well beyond Eoin's sporting circles. His family is widely known in the local area, and people have gathered to support them during an unimaginably difficult time.
A funeral Mass for Eoin is due to take place at St Patrick's Church in Cloonfad on Tuesday at noon, followed by burial at Ballyhaunis Cemetery.
The tragedy has left teammates, classmates, coaches, neighbours and friends mourning a young boy whose life was cut short while returning from one of the activities he enjoyed most.
For the Ballyhaunis and Cloonfad communities, the focus now is on standing together and supporting Eoin's family as they face an immense loss.
