Phoebe Prince’s South Hadley classmates arrive in her native Ireland

Relatives of Phoebe Prince have expressed their wish that the high school classmates of the late teenager be allowed to enjoy their class trip to Ireland in peace.

Controversy erupted over the school trip when it became publicly known, with some observers suggesting it was ill timed and sent the wrong message.

"People are choosing to ignore the situation, so as not to have it stirred up anymore," Tony Fisher, who leads an anti-bullying group and had considered protesting the teens’ arrival, told the Boston Herald. Fisher then struck a conciliatory note. "We should all honor her parents’ wishes to leave her to rest in peace," he added.

40 South Hadley students and their chaperones arrived in Ireland this week, where their decision to visit the country had raised some eyebrows. But the trip had been planned long before the tragic teen took her own life after a relentless campaign of bullying.

Fisher vowed not to protest their arrival but he made his feelings on the matter clear to the press.

"If they had any principles and morality, they would have cancelled the Irish part of the trip," Fisher said. "I don’t think it shows respect."

But Prince’s aunt Eileen Moore told the Herald she was glad no protests were organized.

"An anti-bullying group is supposed to be promoting peace and understanding, not protesting unknown students," Moore said. "I hope they have a safe, enjoyable trip."