Olivia “brought smiles to every company she graced”
The sudden death of a popular young woman in Co Kerry has plunged her tight-knit community into mourning. Olivia O’Shea, who died on Wednesday, is remembered for making “such a difference to so many lives in the most positive of ways.”
Olivia, from Kilkeveragh in Portmagee, passed away “suddenly and peacefully in University Hospital Kerry, surrounded by her loving family,” her RIP.ie death notice reads. She will be dearly missed by her loving parents, mother Marion, father Gerard, sister Ailish, brothers Ronan and Aaron, their partners Christopher, Rachel and Aisling, and all her aunties, uncles and cousins from the O’Shea and O’Driscoll Family, and her many friends.
Olivia was a huge GAA fan who was involved in a number of different sports in her local community. She grew up close to CnuicÃn Rowing Club, which said they “are numbed with grief” following her passing.
A celebration of Olivia’s life which will be held at her home on Sunday afternoon(Image: Fisherman’s Bar / Facebook)
“A dark cloud has cast shadow over our entire Community in CnuicÃn, Portmagee and the whole of south Kerry this week,” they said. “Since the devastating news broke on Wednesday morning that Our dear Olivia had gone to her heavenly home we are numbed with grief.
“Olivia’s family home is a stones throw from our Clubhouse in CnuicÃn Pier and her family members have always been a big part of CnuicÃn Rowing Club . Olivia loved CnuicÃn and spent many happy Summers on CnuicÃn Pier swimming with her family and friends and was always present and helping out with the Christmas Day Swim.
“Olivia was loved by everyone in the Community and beyond. Her beaming smile radiated the love and affection she had for her family, her neighbours and her many dear friends. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Olivia’s parents, Marion and Ger, her sister Ailish, her brothers Ronan and Aaron and her aunts, uncles, and cousins from the O’ Shea and O’ Driscoll families, her neighbours and many friends. We will always love and remember you, Olivia, in CnuicÃn. Rest in peace.”
Olivia played football for Skellig Rangers in Portmagee up to U12 level, the Irish Mirror reports. She was also involved Southern Gaels Ladies Football Club, who shared a message online which read: “All at Southern Gaels wish to extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Marion, Ger, Ailish, Ronan and Aaron O’Shea, the extended O’Driscoll and O’Shea families, and all of Olivia’s friends on her untimely passing.
“Olivia was a member of our Mothers and Others team, and she will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dÃlis.”
Olivia spent many of her summers working in the kitchen of Fisherman’s Bar in Portmagee Village, and the bar shared a heartfelt tribute to their former employee on their social media page. “It was with great shock and sadness that we heard of our former colleague and dear friend Olivia O’Shea’s sudden passing on Wednesday morning,” they said.
“Olivia worked with us during the summers in the kitchen and brought so much joy and fun to the workplace.
“She had a warm, bubbly personality and a constant smile. The working day went that bit quicker with her quick wit, good company and never taking anything too serious. We are incredibly lucky to have shared many moments of laughter and memories that will last us forever. Thank you Olivia for the many fond memories. We will always remember you. May your gentle and beautiful soul Rest in Peace.”
Olivia’s sudden death has left her family, friends and neighbours heartbroken, with mourners sharing emotional tributes to the popular young woman. A close friend said: “My Deepest condolences to Marion, Ger, Ailish, Ronan, Aaron, all the extended O’ Shea and Driscoll families and all of Olivia’s dear friends at this heartbreaking time. Olivia was one of a kind, a beautiful girl, who was a pleasure to get to know when in college in Cork. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time. May Olivia’s beautiful soul rest in peace.”
While another person added: “Deepest sympathy to Olivia’s Family, to Sally and the extended family on your immense loss. I am truly sorry for the pain and utter devastation that is now your world.
“Your Olivia was a truly special lady, full of joy, laughter, energy and goodness, she was one of this world’s special people who brought smiles to every company she graced and made such a difference to so many lives in the most positive of ways. Her reach is now extended to her Heavenly family, may it embrace her gentle soul and surround her with the love she truly deserves. Thinking of you all and praying peace may fill your hearts.”
Mourners were invited to attend a celebration of Olivia’s life at her home at noon on Sunday, followed by removal to Portmagee cemetery.