The funeral of former All-Ireland winning Armagh Gaelic footballer Aoife Lennon, who was killed in a crash in Co Monaghan, will take place on Saturday.
The 38-year-old, from Derrynoose, has been remembered as someone who “loved life” as tributes continue to be paid following the tragedy on Wednesday afternoon.
Ms Lennon died when the car she was driving was involved in a collision with a truck on the N2 near Castleshane, Co Monaghan, at around 2.45pm.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision, or those with dash-cam footage, to come forward.
A former schools coach with Ulster GAA for over a decade, Ms Lennon was part of the Armagh ladies football side that won the All-Ireland junior final in 2005 – a year after the Derrynoose GAC club member helped Armagh ladies juniors to an Ulster Championship victory.
Ladies Gaelic Football Association president Trina Murray said “news of Aoife’s passing has come as a huge shock to all of us”.
“We watched Aoife wearing the colours of Derrynoose and Armagh with distinction for many years and she was a truly wonderful footballer,” Ms Murray said.
“In a coaching capacity, Aoife also displayed exemplary skills and she touched the lives of many young people with her abilities in that regard, as well as serving as a much-loved and admired role model with her prowess on the field of play.
“An extremely warm and caring person, Aoife has left a long-lasting legacy and her life has sadly been cut short far too soon.
“On behalf of all of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to extend our sympathies to Aoife’s wife, Karen, all family members and her wide circle of friends.
“Aoife was a trailblazer whose passing will leave a huge void in the lives of so many people.”
Aoife Lennon was part of the Armagh Ladies football team that won the Ulster Junior Championship in 2004, and the junior All-Ireland title the following year
In a statement, Derrynoose GAC said its members “deeply regret the death of former player Aoife Lennon”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Aoife’s wife Karen, her mum & dad Seamus and Adele, her brothers Patrick & Sean…her nephew Jamie, her nieces Grace & Lila and to her wider family circle,” the club stated.
A spokesperson for Ulster GAA it was with “deep sadness” they mourn “the tragic passing of our former colleague, Aoife Lennon”.
“Aoife was a valued member of the Ulster GAA team as a Key Stage 1 Coach on our DENI Programme from 2007 – 2018,” they said.
“We offer our deepest condolences to her wife Karen, parents Seamus & Adele, brothers Patrick & Sean and the wider Lennon family. We remember Aoife’s friends and former teammates of Derrynoose GAC and Armagh LGFA, and all the schools and clubs she coached at.”
Armagh SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said the local community and beyond “have been just stunned since the terrible news filtered through on Wednesday evening”.
“Aoife was a brilliant girl with a big heart,” he said.
“She had a fantastic personality, she loved life and was a real character. This community is just devastated and everyone is struggling to get their heads around this.
“Aoife was an exceptional young woman—warm-hearted, full of life, and deeply committed to her community. Her vibrant personality and love for sport made her a cherished figure in Derrynoose and beyond.
“Her dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting sport in local schools was truly inspiring.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved Aofie. Her loss is immeasurable, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.”
Granemore Ladies Football Club, where Ms Lennon also coached, said ina statement she was “such a warm, kind soul with phenomenal footballing talent”.
“We were privileged to welcome her as a guest coach on many occasions,” they added.
“Our girls learned so much from her, always delivered in such a fun and inspiring way. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”
A death notice describes Ms Lennon as the “devoted wife of Karen and dearly beloved daughter of Seamus (Jamie) and Adele, cherished sister of Patrick (Michelle) and Sean (Micheala), dear daughter-in-law of Ann and Kevin”.
A funeral will take place at St Mochua’s Church in Derrynoose at 2pm on Saturday, before a burial in the adjoining cemetery.