Late Limerick student described by Dad as a 'beautiful, young woman' who made family proud

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to the late Zoe Sheehan (16), a Laurel Hill student, who was laid to rest today and was described by her Dad as a "beautiful, young woman" who made her family proud everyday.

The poignant funeral mass took place in St Finnachtas Church, Sixmilebridge this morning and Zoe's Dad Ger said they were "heartbroken" by her death and that her life was full of love and laughter. 

Ger remarked: "Zoe adored her family... we all had a special bond." He said her older brother Noah was her biggest fan and that they shared something "very special."

His favourite memory of Zoe was their typical morning routine on the journey from their native Sixmilebridge to Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ on South Circular Road, Limerick where Zoe was a fifth year student.

He recalled hearing her shower go on at 7am and he would meet her in the kitchen around 7.30am where she would request scrambled eggs for breakfast and make her own lunch. Ger said they would play rock, paper, scissors to decide who would control the radio in the car and regardless of the outcome, Zoe would have control over the radio, and "torment" him with at least one Taylor Swift song.

He also remembered Zoe would touch up her makeup once they reached the Dock Road and spray a watermelon fragrance before getting out of the car, leaving the scent in his car for the day. "I couldn't begin to tell you how much I loved this routine... Little did we know last Friday would be our last school morning."

"Zoe was lucky to have an amazing group of friends... She was loyal and loving to all of them." Ger remarked that they all brought joy to Zoe's daily life.

Zoe's Dad concluded: "She never caused us a moment of bother." He said they won't see her next chapter in life and revealed that Zoe had began talking about studying Criminology in UCC.

Zoe's brother Noah shared a sweet anecdote about her first disco in Queen's in Ennis when he stuck paper saying 'Noah Sheehan's sister, hands off' to Zoe and took a photo before she left for the night out.

He said Zoe had "impeccable taste" in music with the exception of Taylor Swift and recalled their memorable holidays in Florida in years gone by. Noah added that Zoe "had a way of making everyone feel special" and cited her "unassuming demeanour."

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Noah also spoke about his sister's hobbies and interests saying she had a passion for Clare hurling and baking with her mother. She also loved fashion and had her own style. Zoe enjoyed spending time with her friends but also liked her own space, reading a book and spending time with her dog Toby. 

He added that her passing was as "gentle" as she was, passing away, peacefully, in her sleep at home.

Many symbols were brought to the altar to represent Zoe's diverse interests in life; with a hurley representing her love of Clare hurling, a book to highlight her love of reading and storytelling, a game controller to symbolise her love of gaming especially the popular game Fortnite, a Barcelona jersey to represent her favourite soccer team and the memory of her special trip to Camp Nou with her Dad two years ago. A number of symbols also gave a nod to her time in Laurel Hill School; a memory box, a school jumper and a scrap book.

Parish Priest Fr Damien Nolan described Zoe's loss as "a horrific moment of unfathomable grief and brokenness" and said she was a "wonderful" girl and "beloved daughter" who showed "unwavering loyalty" and friendship.

"To say the community is broken is maybe an understatement," continued Fr Nolan. "There are no words."

Fr Nolan described Zoe as "quiet and timid" but full of "energy and fun." He said her life was packed with joy, laughter and "precious memories" and described Ger and Debbie as "doting parents."

Fr Nolan added that she was a passionate supporter of Clare hurling. "She loved the game." He said she also had a "healthy dislike for Limerick hurling."

"Though quiet, she was always up for fun," explained Fr Nolan. He said she was her own person and not someone who followed blindly. "She loved chocolate but might be a bit slow to share it."

Zoe loved Taylor Swift's music and Fr Nolan spoke of her delight to experience a Taylor Swift concert earlier this year. "She was so delighted, a wonderful memory of a young girl about to take flight to another chapter."

Fr Nolan added that Zoe and Noah had a special, loving bond full of banter, fun and friendship. The local parish priest stated that she had goals and was "focused" on her studies.

Predeceased by her grandfather Flan, nana Mary and her uncle Christopher.

Deeply missed by her heartbroken family, parents Ger and Debbie, brother Noah, grandparents Christy and Frances Hannon, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and her many friends in Laurel Hill School and Sixmilebridge Parish.