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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Marita Moloney

Irish community 'devastated' and family 'heartbroken' after teacher's death as tributes paid to 'gentle soul'

An Irish community is said to be "devastated" after the death of a woman described as "one of the kindest people you could ever meet".

Aoife Kelly, from Mullingar in Co Westmeath, passed away "peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family" on Wednesday.

Her family, including her husband and "best friend", are said to be heartbroken while she will also be "deeply missed" by her colleagues, friends and pupils at St Tola's National School in Delvin.

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Tributes have been pouring in from local sports clubs as Aoife's family are a big part of the GAA scene in Co Westmeath.

Brownstown Camogie said: "It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Aoife Kelly (née Daly-Lynch). Aoife's sister Cara played with Brownstown at underage level and some of the Daly family are very much involved with Brownstown Camogie Club.

"Aoife was one of the kindest and most sincere people you could ever meet and she will be so sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aoife's family and friends at this terrible time, especially her husband Ronan, parents Joe and Ann-marie, sisters Cara and Ella and the Daly and Lynch families. RIP."

While Brownstown Hurling Club added: "Is it with the deepest sorrow that we have learned of the passing of Aoife Kelly (née Lynch). Aoife had the most gentle of souls, and the community is devastated for her and her family.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Aoife’s husband Ronan, parents Joe and Anne-Marie, sisters Cara and Ella, and the Lynch, Daly and Kelly families. May Aoife rest eternally in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."

St Pauls GFC Clonmellon also extended their condolences, writing: "St. Pauls GFC Clonmellon would like to offer its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Aoife Kelly (née Daly-Lynch) who has sadly passed away. May she rest in peace."

Aoife Kelly. (RIP.ie)

Aoife's friends, colleagues and neighbours have also been paying tribute, remembering her as "a gentle, kind, caring, beautiful person inside and out".

One said: "To Ann Marie, Joseph, Cara and Ella, I am very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter/sister. I remember you Ann Marie telling me about her lovely wedding day. It is so sad she has passed away too young. May she rest in peace."

A second said: "Ronan I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. To You, Aoife's devastated family and wide circle of friends, I am so sorry for your loss. Aoife you were an inspiration to us all and a true warrior on Earth, may your courage and strength be rewarded with the best bed in the Kingdom of Heaven."

A third wrote: "My deepest condolences to the Kelly, Lynch and Daly families. I like to remember Aoife as a beautiful happy and young girl who loved horses, her friends and family and all the good things in life. God Bless you all."

Another person said: "Deepest sympathies to Aoife's husband Ronan & to all the Lynch, Daly and Kelly families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. A gentle, kind, caring, beautiful person inside and out, may Aoife rest in eternal peace."

While someone else wrote: "Sincere condolences on the sad passing of Aoife. She was one in a million and had a smile that would light up any room. She will be sadly missed. It was a privilege and a pleasure to have known Aoife."

Aoife will be laid to rest following a funeral Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, at 2pm on Sunday.

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