President of Limerick college extends heartfelt sympathies to all who 'feel the weight of Lillie's loss'

A “BEAUTIFUL girl both inside and out” who shone on the GAA field and in the classroom as a student teacher this week.

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

Professor Dermot Nestor, president of MIC, said Lillie was a much-loved member of their MIC community.

“We are all deeply shocked and saddened at the news of her passing. Our thoughts are especially with Lillie’s parents, her three sisters and her extended family at this very difficult time. 

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all of Lillie’s classmates, lecturers, friends, and fellow MIC students, as well as to the many others who will feel the weight of this loss,” said Prof Nestor.

A book of condolence is available for signing at the main reception in the college’s Foundation Building.

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

Many staff members and classmates of Lillie have expressed their condolences and shared their memories on rip.ie

“My deepest condolences to the Gaynor family. Lillie was always such a bright and bubbly person. Her kindness and compassion will be greatly missed,” wrote a friend from MIC.

A classmate said: “Lillie was a beautiful girl both inside and out and it was a privilege to have known her and to have had her in our class. Lillie will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Lillie.”

She was remembered by others as “a cherished member of our class and was always a friendly face”; “a bright and bubbly person” and “a girl with a heart of gold who will be missed immensely by all who knew her”.

"Eternal rest to a beautiful soul. Her memory will remain forever alive,” said another on rip.ie

Lillie, of Lerrig, Kilmoyley, Co Kerry, a talented camogie and ladies Gaelic football player, was laid to rest on Wednesday after Requiem Mass in The Sacred Heart Church, Kilmoyley.

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.

There have been moving tributes paid on social media by ladies football, camogie, GAA, basketball and youth clubs to the talented athlete.

Lillie had recently begun a teacher training placement in Tralee and had her whole life ahead of her. She left a big impression on staff and pupils in that brief time that was tragically cut short.

“Lillie came to our school last Monday as a student of Mary Immaculate College to begin her second year school placement. 

“Lillie made a lasting impression on the children and staff alike in our school. Lillie had a natural flair for teaching that was evident during the time Lillie spent with us in Scoil Lios Teilic. It was a pleasure to have Lillie in our school,” read a condolence on rip.ie from the school.

May she rest in peace.