The young mum was a hugely popular school teacher who has been remembered as a “ray of sunshine” whose “smile, sense of fun and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her”
Aoife Bird and her newborn baby Ailbhe sadly passed away earleri this week
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in following the tragic death of a popular school teacher from Co Meath and her newborn baby.
Aoife Bird (née Oates), who was originally from Co Waterford but had been living with her family in Longwood in Meath, died on Wednesday following a sudden illness, just one day after her newborn baby Ailbhe passed away.
A death notice shared on RIP.ie states: “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Aoife Bird (née Oates) on the 26th November and baby Ailbhe who passed away on the 25th November, of Ballymulmore, Longwood, Co.Meath and formerly of 18 St Killian’s Place, Ferrybank, Waterford following a sudden illness surrounded by her heartbroken family at the Regional Hospital Mullingar.
“Sadly missed by her loving husband Jim and baby boy DaithÃ, her devastated parents Peter and Margaret, sisters Siobhan, Aisling and RóisÃn and brother Shane, mother-in-law Veronica, grandparents Micheal and Kathleen, brothers-in-law Ryan, Jack, Charley and Lee, nephews and nieces Beth, Anna, Tadhg and Rory, aunts, uncles and all the wider Bird, Oates and Freeman families plus all Aoife’s many heartbroken friends and colleagues in Ashbourne Community School.”
Aoife was a teacher at Ashbourne Community School, where she taught Spanish, Business and SEN, with the school paying a heartbreaking tribute to the popular staff member following her sudden passing.
“It is with profound sadness that we share this message with you,” the school said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Today, we have received the sad news of the sudden death of our esteemed colleague, friend and Spanish, Business and SEN teacher Ms. Aoife Oates and her daughter Ailbhe.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Aoife’s husband Jim and the extended family.
“We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief. May their gentle souls Rest in Peace.”
Aoife’s husband Jim is a teacher at Scoil Mhurie secondary school in Trim, with staff paying tribute to the young mum and her baby in a message shared on their website.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Aoife and her newborn baby Ailbhe, beloved wife and daughter of our teacher Mr Jim Bird,” a spokesperson for the school said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and his mother Veronica Bird, our school secretary. We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief.
“May their gentle souls Rest in Peace.”
Aoife was also heavily involved with the local GAA club, Boardsmill GAA, who have offered their cindodles to the Bird family during this difficult time.
“It is with deep sadness and shock that we inform you of the untimely passing of Aoife Bird (neé Oates) and her newborn baby girl Ailbhe, beloved wife and daughter of Jim Bird,” the club said in a statement.
“The Bird family are very much involved in our Club with Aoife, Assistant Secretary of the Camogie and Jim, our Club PRO, manager of underage teams and player for Boardsmill GAA. Jim’s brothers; Jack, also a player, Charley a former player, not to mention, Jim’s mother Veronica, who was instrumental in the running of our Road Hurling for years and also involved in helping to put together our recently published History Book.
“We extend our sincere condolences and offer our prayers to their families and friends at this very difficult time.
“Go raibh suaimhneas sÃoraà orthu.”
Aoife was a talented horse rider who represented Waterford Tipperary SJI in showjumping competitions all over the country as well as abroad.
Paying tribute to the Waterford native, a spokesperson for the Irish Horse Board said: “All at the Irish Horse Board offer our deepest, deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aoife and baby Ailbhe Bird (née Oates) who both passed away this week.
“Aoife was a talented and valued member of the Irish equestrian community for many years.”
A number of Aoife’s fellow teachers and former pupils at Ashbourne Community School have shared their own tributes to the popular educator.
One ex-pupil said: “Sincere condolences to Ms Oates husband Jim and her family on the lost of Aoife and baby Ailbhe. I was lucky to have her as my teacher in my time in ACS. She was the most kindest, caring funniest person. She was a huge part of my time in ACS. I will be forever grateful for all the memories I have with her. She was one of a kind. She was more than just a teacher to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Rest Easy Ms Oates Que en Paz Descansen Ms Oates y Ailbhe.”
Another past studen said: “Deepest condolences to the Oate and Bird Families. Aoife was an amazing teacher and made my time at ACS even better with all the fun and craic we had in her class together. I will always cherish those memories. May Aoife and Ailbhe rest in peace.”
A staff member at the school said: “I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I got to know Aoife during my time teaching in Ashbourne Community School, and she was truly a ray of sunshine. Her smile, sense of fun and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Thinking of Jim, baby Daithà and all of Aoife’s family and friends who loved her so much during this incredibly difficult time.”
While another mourner added: “I’m so sorry to hear about this sad news of Aoife she was a lovely young lady such a sweet and kind person my heart goes out to you all may she R.I.P.”
Aoife will lie in repose at her parents home in Ferrybank, Waterford, from 2pm until 6pm on Sunday with rosary at 5:30pm. The young mum will then repose at her family home in Longwood from 2pm on Monday 1. Her funeral mass will be held at 11am on Tuesday in St Brigid’s Church, Boardsmill, Trim, Co. Meath, with burial afterwards in Clonee Cemetery Longwood.
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