Niamh Delahunty, a Loughrea native, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 9, at her home.
In a post on RIP.ie, Ms Delahunty has been described as a “precious and adored daughter and sister” who will be deeply missed by her loving family.
“A precious and adored daughter and sister, Niamh will be deeply missed and always remembered by her heartbroken parents Colette and Mark, her sisters Róisín and Tara and her brother Cathal,” the death notice reads.
“Niamh will be deeply mourned by her grandmother Maeve, her aunts and uncles, her cousins, members of the extended family, neighbours and her many precious friends who are all feeling Niamh’s loss.”
The young woman, described by mourners as “kind and gentle”, was a teacher at Bright Sparks Montessori and Radharc na Mara Primary School in Mervue.
“My heartfelt sympathy to all Niamh’s family and friends,” a fellow teacher said in a tribute online. “I had the pleasure of working with Niamh in Bright Sparks Montessori. Niamh was bright kind and funny, her warmth touched everyone around her. She had a wonderful gift for working with children, she brought joy and fun into the classroom. Niamh it was a privilege to have known you even for a short time.”
Another Bright Sparks teacher added: “My sincere condolences to all Niamh’s family, on your incredibly sad loss. I was a work colleague of Niamh’s, she brought love laughter and light to every room. All the children adored her, and she adored them. Although we will miss her dearly her spirit will live on in every smile she inspired, every act of kindness she showed and every heart she touched.”
Two former colleagues from Niamh’s time on work placement said they knew they had a “great student” with them when Niamh joined their team, adding that they formed a bond with her “quickly and easily”.
“She was a real asset to the class team and had a sensitive, caring and gentle nature towards the children,” the tribute said.
A representative from Radharc na Mara Primary School commended Niamh’s dedication to the children she taught and to the school community.
“The management, staff and students of Radharc na Mara Primary School, Mervue extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of our dear friend and colleague, Niamh Delahunty,” the tribute read. “Niamh gave so much of herself to our school community – through her teaching, her kindness and her dedication to the children. We remember Niamh with gratitude and affection, and we hold her parents, siblings and friends in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.”
Former University of Galway classmates also paid their respects, describing the young teacher as “friendly, outgoing and kind”.
“Sincere and deepest condolences to the Delahunty family,” one former classmate said. “I had the pleasure of meeting Niamh in our undergraduate course in Galway, and she was such a bubbly, kind and intelligent person. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May Niamh rest in peace.”
Another added: “My sincere sympathy to Niamh’s family. I had the pleasure to spend the last year studying with Niamh and her kindness never went unnoticed. A lovely kind soul who was always willing to help others, may she rest in peace.”
Niamh will repose at her home in Cahertinny on Friday, September 12, from 4pm to 7pm with her funeral service taking place at the Church of the Holy Family, Clostoken, on Saturday, September 13, at 12pm.
Following the funeral service, Niamh will be laid to rest in Clostoken cemetery.
The family have expressed that they appreciate all of the “support and friendship of the community” at this very difficult time but have asked that their home remains strictly private outside of public reposal hours.
Those attending the repose are invited to park at Kilconieron GAA club car park or the Meadow Court Hotel car park where a shuttle bus service will be provided.
Mourners have been encouraged to leave a message of condolence in the condolence book on RIP.ie.