A young woman who was found dead near an Irish college last week has been named locally as Leah Carolan.
Tributes have been pouring in for Leah, 19, who was a first-year college student from Rathbrack, Clonmellon, Co Meath, studying Social Care Practice at the Institute of Technology Sligo.
Her body was discovered in Ballinode, close to the IT, last Thursday, February 3.
At the time her body was found, Gardai said they did not suspect foul play in the cause of her death.
A death notice on RIP.ie reads: "Cherished daughter of Donal and Fiona and loving sister of Rory. Predeceased by her grandparents Paddy and Maisie Carolan, nana Breege McCormack, and her cousin Patrick.
"Leah will be sadly missed by her heartbroken parents, brother, grandfather Sean, uncles, aunt, aunts in law, cousins, extended family, her best friend Nadine, neighbours and her many friends. May Leah Rest in Peace."
There have been no funeral arrangements announced yet.
Her former school, Loreto College Mullingar, took to social media to extend their condolences to Leah’s family and friends and pay tribute to Leah who had completed her Leaving Cert in the school in 2021. The school said she was a "much-loved student" who had a "radiant smile".
The school wrote: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that our school community acknowledges the sudden death of Leah Carolan, Leaving Certificate Class of 2021.
"Leah was a much-loved student in Loreto College; she is remembered with fondness by each and every one of her teachers and other staff members, all extremely saddened by the news of her passing.
"Leah’s six years in our school were marked by her quiet way, her unfaltering respect for all, her spirit of compassion and understanding, and her warm and radiant smile.
"Leah - it is our pleasure to have known you; it is our privilege to have had you walk our corridors and sit with us in class. We pray that, in time, the gratitude we have in knowing you will help to displace the grief that is felt at your loss."
A local drama group also paid tribute to Leah in a Facebook post, saying she was "fantastic" at singing, dancing and acting.
They wrote: "Killallon Drama Group would like to extend our condolences to the Carolan family on the very sad passing of their treasured daughter.
"Leah was with us many years singing acting and dancing. She was fantastic at all 3. Her beautiful smile will always be with us. May her gentle soul Rest in Peace."
