‘A ray of joy and love’: Limerick college plunged into grief at passing of student

A TALENTED GAA player with a "beautiful and gentle soul”, who was studying in Limerick, has passed away suddenly.

Kerry native Lillie Gaynor was a second-year student at Mary Immaculate College where she was popular with classmates and staff. Her sudden passing, peacefully at home, has plunged the college into grief.

Lillie, of Lerrig, Kilmoyley, Co Kerry, had recently begun a teacher training placement in Tralee and had her whole life ahead of her.

Countless tributes have been paid to the talented young camogie and ladies Gaelic football player following her passing.

Abbeydornery LGFC posted on social media on Friday that everyone involved in the club is “shocked and heartbroken by the sudden, peaceful but unexpected passing of our intermediate player, Lillie Gaynor, overnight”.

“Lillie was a much-loved and valued member of our club since joining at a young age and was an integral member of teams all the way through, and her parents always there as supporters. She was a proud member of the Junior winning squad in 2024.

“As a mark of respect, all club events are cancelled this weekend and for the foreseeable. We offer our deepest sympathies to Lillie’s family, friends, coaches and teammates, both in our club and at Cillard Camogie Club, at this devastating time.

"May her beautiful and gentle soul rest in peace,” reads the tribute.

Lillie left a deep impression with everyone lucky enough to make her acquaintance. This included all at CH Chemists in Tralee, who expressed their deep sadness at the sudden and unexpected passing of their team member.

“Lillie worked with us during the past two Christmas periods and quickly became a much-loved part of the CH family. She was a bright, friendly, and kind young woman who brought joy to both staff and customers alike.

“Though she was only with us for a short time, her presence made a lasting impact, and she will be dearly missed by everyone here.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lillie’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” reads a post on their social media pages.

Another tribute is from Clanmaurice Medical Practice where everybody is shocked and devastated by the sudden and unexpected passing, peacefully at home, of Lillie. Her bereft mum, Martina, works with the medical practice.

“Young Lillie was the eldest of four beautiful girls, had just finished second year in Mary Immaculate college and was out on her teacher training placement in Tralee.

“A keen sports woman, who played football to intermediate level with Abbeydorney Ladies, she was a vibrant, enthusiastic, brilliant ray of joy and love,” reads a tribute on social media. 

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It continues: “She was a wonderful daughter, loving sister and loyal friend to all. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Martina, Eamon, Aisling, Mollie, Grace and all the extended Shanahan and Gaynor family at this terrible time.

"May her beautiful soul rest peacefully in the garden of heaven.”

Dearly loved and sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Eamonn and Martina, sisters Aisling, Molly and Grace, boyfriend Conor, uncles Brendan, PJ, James, Michael, Paudie and Morgan, aunts Noreen, Mary, Breda, Patricia, Anne and Marie, cousins, relatives, a very large circle of heartbroken friends and a grief-stricken community.

Reposing Tuesday, April 15 from 5pm to 8pm at Casey's Funeral Home, Causeway. Requiem Mass will be celebrated for Lillie on Wednesday at 12 noon in The Sacred Heart Church, Kilmoyley, livestreamed on https://churchmedia.tv/st-brendans-church , followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

To offer a message of sympathy to Lillie's family please use the condolence option here

May she rest in peace