'Always smiling, friendly, kind and caring, a joy to be around': Sad passing of Limerick photographer

COUNTRY music star Nathan Carter was among those to pay tribute to "an extremely talented" Limerick photographer and mum-of-two who very sadly died this week. 

Christine O'Gorman passed away unexpectedly at her home in Blueball, County Offaly on Thursday. 

In a post on social media, Nathan Carter said: "Deepest sympathies to our friend and work colleague John Byrne, his children Aaron and Caelainn and all of their extended family on the very sudden passing of their beloved Christine.

"I had the pleasure of working with Christine in the past. She was a lovely person and an extremely talented photographer. Myself, band and crew are devastated to hear of this heartbreaking news and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May Christine RIP."

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A native of Bulgaden, Christine studied at Griffith College, Dublin after her schooling in Limerick and married musician and composer John Byrne in 2007. She was an accomplished wedding, occasion and portrait photographer and her work also featured in publications such as RSVP magazine.

Countless tributes have been paid to Christine in the condolences section of RIP.ie, including a large number of mourners from County Limerick.

"To Anne, Pat, Christine’s husband and children, my deepest sympathy at this very sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember Christine as a little girl in Bruff primary school. May she rest peacefully," wrote one lady.

Another said: "I remember her as a beautiful little girl in Bruff. May her gentle soul rest in peace and comfort her family."

A former classmate said: "I have such lovely memories of Christine from our primary and secondary school days in Bruff. Always smiling, friendly, kind and caring, a joy to be around. I enjoyed many music classes with Christine and remember the beautiful talent she possessed." 

One heartfelt tribute reads, "My deepest most heartfelt condolences for John, Aaron, Cae and all of their family for this devastating loss. A woman who changed lives has passed.

"Someone who loved photography so much you could see a little bit of her on every picture she has taken. With amazing stories to tell and a tragedy that they won’t be heard. Christine was such a funny, understanding, caring and wonderful human being. I hope her family can heal from this."

One mourner said: "My deepest sympathies on the sad passing of Christine . She was such a beautiful soul, she made our lockdown wedding so special with her talented photography. Sending all my love and prayers to the whole family."

While another reads, "Our hearts are broken to hear of the sad passing of Christine. No words can console any family when something like this happens! Thinking of her husband John and children and Pat, Sarah Kristian and Joshua and all the O'Gorman family. RIP Christine".

Christine will be sadly missed and always remembered by her heartbroken family, husband John, children Aaron and Caelainn, parents Pat and Anne, stepparent's Dave (Lawlor) and Sarah, sister Rachael, brothers Darren, Cian, Kristian and Joshua, sisters in law Margaret, Jamie and Holly, her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and many many friends.

Christine will repose at her home this Sunday from 2pm until 6pm. Removal on Monday morning at 10.30am to St. Colman's Church, Mucklagh, arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am. Removal after Mass to Newlands Cross Crematorium, Dublin, for Cremation Service at 2.30pm.

May she rest in peace.