RIP: Tributes pour in for Limerick singer with 'beautiful voice and heart'
Her family extended their ‘sincere appreciation’ to the staff of UHL and Milford Care Centre
TRIBUTES have been pouring in from across the country following the death of popular singer and entertainer Marian Heffernan, née Kirby.
The Caherconlish native passed away on Saturday, August 29, suddenly after a short illness, at Milford Care Centre.
She was surrounded by her husband Christy, and sons James and Daniel.
Marian’s family extended their “sincere appreciation” to the doctors, nurses and staff in the High Dependency Unit at University Hospital Limerick and Milford Care Centre for their “exceptional” care and support.
Marian was a part of the Irish country music scene for over 20 years, entertaining audiences with her “warm vocal style, relaxed presence, and love of live performance”.
She had also released a number of CDs during her time in the music industry.
Music promoter and former member of staff at Limerick Live, John Barrett, described Marian and a “kind and supportive individual”.
“She was very well-known in the entertainment business, particularly in the social dancing scene.”
He said he was “stunned” over her passing, adding that she was only ill “a very short time”.
Mr Barrett praised her charitable nature, commenting that she was always travelling up and down the country to fundraising dances.
Many of those who worked with Marian paid tribute to her on RIP.ie, with a spokesperson for Carlow FM saying: “Deepest condolences on the passing of Marian, she was a wonderful lady. Thinking of you all at this heart-breaking time.”
A spokesperson for T O Park, a community centre in Ballylanders, said: “We at T O Park are so shocked to hear of Marian's sudden passing, and we offer our deepest sympathy to her husband, family and extended families. Marian played in T O Park a few times and always made sure that everybody had a great time. May Marian rest in peace.”
A representative for NOVAS commented: “Marian was a wonderful community person and generous with her time to charity. We will remember fondly for her kindness to NOVAS. Thank you Marian, sleep easy.”
Dozens of people who knew her praised her “beautiful voice and heart” and recalled “many a night” with her in the Millennium Centre in Caherconlish.
Marian was predeceased by her parents Jim and Nellie Kirby.
She will be sadly missed by her husband Christy, sons James and Daniel, grandchildren Ellie, Christopher and Paige, James’s partner Pauline, Daniel’s partner Rachel, other relatives, friends and neighbours.
Reposing at Our Lady, Mother of the Church, Caherconlish, Wednesday, September 2, from 6pm to 8pm.
Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, September 3, at 11.30am, followed by burial in Inch St. Lawrence Cemetery. Marian's Requiem Mass will be streamed live here.
House strictly private. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ireland.
May she Rest in Peace