The heartbroken family of a Co Monaghan teenager who died in a tragic accident has said she’s “loved beyond words” and the grief is “indescribable”.
Aoibhe Byrne, aged 14, from Lisnaclea in Carrickmacross died on Wednesday evening. She was a talented sports player, representing Magheracloone Ladies, Carrick Cruisers and Carrick Rovers AFC, and popular student at Colaiste Dun an Ri in Co Cavan.
The local community has been rocked by the devastating loss and plan to hold a candlelight vigil on Friday evening.
READ MORE: Monaghan community in 'state of shock' following death of 'beautiful and bubbly' teen Aoibhe Byrne
It comes ahead of her funeral mass, which is due to take place at St Peter and St Paul's Church in lower Magheracloone on Sunday at 11.30am, followed by burial in the adjoining new cemetery.
The funeral notice reads: “The death has occurred of Aoibhe Byrne. Lisnaclea, Carrickmacross. 27th April 2022. Aged 14years. Tragically, following an accident. Predeceased by her baby brother Ciaran and her nanny Angela Byrne.
“Aoibhe's death brings an indescribable grief to her heartbroken family, she is loved beyond words and will be forever missed by her mammy Olivia and her daddy Gary, her sister Saoirse and her brothers Oisin, Caolan and Gary Og, her nanny and grandad Margaret and Kevin Boylan, her grandad Ollie Byrne, her aunts, uncles, cousins, her many friends and all the extended Byrne and Boylan families. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.
“Aoibhe will repose at her home, Lisnaclea A81 WR04, on Saturday, 30th April, from 2pm until 8pm. House private at all other times.
“Aoibhe's funeral cortege will leave her home on Sunday, 1st May, driving to St Peter and St Paul's Church, lower Magheracloone for Funeral Mass at 11:30am followed by burial in the adjoining new cemetery.”
Many tributes are being paid to Aoibhe following her death.
Hundreds of people have been paying their condolences to the Byrne family and her friends on RIP.ie.
One person wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to read this news. Deepest sympathy to Aoibhe's Mam, Dad, sister and brothers. Aoibhe was obviously one in a million in all I have read of her in the last few days. May she Rest in Peace.
“May God give you all the strength to carry on over the next few days and years ahead. Aoibhe will be the brightest star in the sky looking over you all together with her baby brother Ciaran and Nanny Angela in Heaven.”
Another said: “Thinking of you all at this extremely hard time. May you all find the strength to comfort one another in the days ahead. Let the angels above be waiting with warm hugs for Aoibhe as they have truly gained a precious angel. Rip Aoibhe xx.”
Someone else shared the poem: “God called your name so softly, that only you could hear, and no one heard the footsteps, of angels drawing near, the golden gates stood open, God saw you needed rest, his garden must be beautiful, he only takes the best. Fly high with the Angel’s Aoibhe. Rest In Peace.”
Magheracloone GAA club, for which she played ladies football, has suspended all club activities as a mark of respect. They are holding a candlelight vigil on Friday evening from 6pm to 9pm at the pitch to remember Aoibhe, where a book of condolences will also be open.
A spokesperson said: “It is with profound sadness that our club learned of the passing of one of our club mates, Aoibhe Byrne. Our whole community is in a state of shock. Aoibhe, a beautiful soul, always with a smile on her face, taken from us too soon.
“The club would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this devastating time. At this time of sadness, there are just no words, we offer our prayers, thoughts and support to you all. Rest in peace beautiful Aoibhe, you will be sadly missed.”
Her school Colaiste Dun an Ri also paid a touching tribute following the “devastating loss”.
A spokesperson said: “Our hearts are breaking today as we come to terms with the devastating loss of our dear student Aoibhe Byrne. Aoibhe was a wonderful lady, an excellent student and a key member of our sports teams. We are so lucky to have had you with us and we will miss you terribly. We will never forget your smiling face and kindness.
“Our sincere sympathies to her family, her extended family and her wide circle of friends. Rest in Peace Aoibhe, you’re always in our hearts.”
A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Mirror that gardai attended the scene.
“Gardai responded to an incident in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan on Wednesday April 27 2022 shortly after 7pm.
“A female youth was pronounced dead at the scene. The local Coroner has been notified. Enquiries are ongoing,” they said.
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