The anniversary of a slain teenager’s death in Dublin has passed without much notice. Nigerian-born Toyosi Shitta-bey, 15, bled to death on Good Friday last year after being stabbed near his home in Tyrellstown in west Dublin.
According to an eyewitness, he was with a group of four friends returning home from the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown around 8pm when the incident happened.
Metro Éireann has learned that nothing significant of a public nature was done to mark his death either on this year’s Good Friday on 22 April nor on 2 April, the date on which he died.
Meanwhile, Toyosi’s parents continue their wait for justice.
Two brothers were charged in connection with their son’s death, which brought international attention to both Tyrrellstown and race relations in Ireland.
As reported in Metro Éireann then: “Relatives, friends and neighbours… have expressed their hope that his senseless killing will bring peace between the black community, other immigrant nationalities and Irish people.”
A candlelight vigil was held in Tyrellstown on Easter Monday 2010 with hundreds of people in attendance. A similar but much bigger event was held on Saturday 10 April in Dublin’s city centre.
Shitta-bey was an Insaka Ireland soccer trainee and a junior player with Shelbourne FC. In a statement following his death, Insaka-Ireland – which trains African youth in soccer – said its members were deeply shocked.
Speaking on future plans to remember Shitta-bey, Ken McCue one of Insaka- Ireland’s directors, told Metro Éireann that they have permanently retired his number 15 jersey as a mark of respect.
According to McCue, the club is waiting for funding to help establish a Toyosi Shitta-bey memorial day.
