The Kerry native was twelve weeks pregnant with her daughter Maya when she was tragically diagnosed with cervical cancer
Kerry Corcoran
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a young mum from Co Kerry who has tragically passed away following a brave illness battle.
Kerry Corcoran, originally from Portmagee and recently of Ballincollig in Co Cork, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at home “surrounded by her loving family, after a long courageous battle,” according to a death notice shared on RIP.ie.
The notice adds that “Kerry will be dearly missed by her devoted husband Dhani, precious daughter Maya, her parents Julie and Kieran, sister Mikayla, brother Kieran Jnr, their partners Paddy and Emma, mother-in-law Leonie, father-in-law Daithi, brother-in-law Dylan, sister-in-law Aoife, her aunties, uncles, grandparents, cousins, neighbours and friends”.
Kerry was twelve weeks pregnant with her daughter Maya when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in April of last year.
Due to Kerry’s illness, Maya was delivered after just 26 weeks and weighed 782g when she was born.
Kerry has been remembered for embodying “the spirit of community and friendship that holds us together”(Image: Durham Robert Emmets GFC / Facebook)
“Obviously best for me would have been to terminate the pregnancy and start treatment straight away, but I couldn’t do that,” Kerry said during an interview with Cork’s 96fm in May.
“So I was able to have treatment while pregnant. I had 10 weeks of treatment, and then they wanted to scan me just to make sure everything was going as it should and unfortunately that scan showed that the tumor actually got bigger.
“So the treatment I had did nothing for me, unfortunately. But everything was still fine with baby, but we were hoping to get to at least 28 weeks before delivering
“But of course with the scan not going well, they said the best thing to do for me and the baby would be to deliver, which I was 26 weeks in a day. She was only 782 grams when she was born. She was teeny tiny.”
Kerry’s death has left her family and friends heartbroken, with tributes pouring in for the hugely-popular figure.
Kerry and her husband lived for number of years in Toronto, where they were cherished members of Durham Robert Emmets Gaelic Football Club, who have paid a touching tribute to the young mum.
“Durham Robert Emmets are very saddened to share the passing of our friend Kerry Corcoran. Our Kerry from Kerry played with the Durham ladies team from 2019 through 2023,” the club said in a statement.
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“Kerry and her then-boyfriend Dhani Merrick joined Durham together, quickly cementing themselves as part of our Durham family. From the very beginning, Kerry was more than just a player—she became a core member, both on and off the pitch.
“She was known for her love of the Kingdom, and of course, that trademark high ponytail that left many a corner-back in a spin. And when “Proud Mary” filled the room, you could be sure her smile, her laughter, and her dance moves would light up the floor — the kind of moves you’d say “if Heineken did dance moves, they’d be Kerry’s.”
“On the pitch, Kerry brought joy, energy, and that solid left foot we all admired. Off the pitch, she was just as quick with a laugh, a kind word, or a helping hand. Always up for a club night, a singalong, or a ‘wee session’, she embodied the spirit of community and friendship that holds us together.”
The club added: “Kerry will be remembered not only for her skill and her energy, but for the joy she brought into every room, every match, and every gathering. She was, and always will be, a part of our club’s heart.
“Kerry was not just a great teammate, but a true friend. She will be deeply missed.
“Kerry leaves behind her husband, Dhani, and their daughter, Maya. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dhani, Maya and the Corcoran and Merrick families.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
Kerry was a gifted GAA player who lined out for Durham Robert Emmets GFC while living in Toronto(Image: Durham Robert Emmets GFC / Facebook)
Kerry was also a member of Skellig Rangers GAA Club while growing up in Portmagee, with the club writing in a message shared on social media: “All at Skellig Rangers GAA Club extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kerry Corcoran following her heartbreaking passing on Wednesday.
“Sincere condolences to her husband Dhani and their baby daughter Maya, to her parents, Kieran and Julie, to her brother Kieran and sister Mikayla and to all her extended family, friends and neighbours.
“Kerry played underage football with the Club up to U14 level. Kerry took part in the Annual Skellig Rangers cancer fundraiser, winning the Player of the Match award in 2009. Kerry also won an All-Ireland soccer medal with the Portmagee Youth Club.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilis.
The Skellig Rangers GAA Club have announced they will form a guard of honour for Kerry at her funeral on Monday morning.
Friends and family have shared tributes to Kerry in heartbreaking messages shared online, with one mourner writing: “RIP Kerry! Life is so cruel and this is not okay.
“The only plan I can see for you that god had was that Maya has the best Guardian Angel ever! We had so much fun albeit at your Mum’s expense. Rest Easy Angel.”
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While a former colleague of Kerry’s for her time working for AIB added: “My heartfelt condolences to all of the Corcoran & Merrick families on the sad news of lovely Kerry passing away.
“I had the utmost privilege and pleasure of working alongside Kerry in AIB Bank, Blarney. She lit up the branch daily with her contagious smile and both staff & customers absolutely enjoyed her company.
“She greeted customers with such a friendly and courteous manner that everyone wanted to be served by ‘Kerry from Kerry’ as she was better known to us all.
“Thank you for the fabulous memories Kerry and may your gentle soul rest in heavenly peace.”
Kerry’s Requiem Mass will take place on at 11.30am on Monday at St. Patrick’s Church, Portmagee, with burial afterwards in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Cahersiveen.
Her family have asked for “donations in lieu of flowers to be made to Irish Cancer Society in Memory of Kerry Corcoran”.
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