Tributes paid to a Limerick 'warrior' with an 'infectious personality' during funeral Mass
THE LIFE of Emma McGuire, a “warrior” on and off the GAA pitch was celebrated in Herbertstown where family and friends paid tribute to a soul that leaves behind hearts that will “never fully heal”.
Emma McGuire was in her early thirties when she passed away after an illness under the care of Milford Care Centre.
She was described as living a life as “full as she could” and having an “infectious personality” during her funeral Mass held this Friday morning in the Sacred Heart Church in Herbertstown.
“A star that shines twice as bright shines for half as long,” Emma’s sister Sarah said during the funeral Mass, fighting back the tears.
“We will forever make sure that you are a part of every special occasion and family occasion. We will bring you along as part of our family trips and adventures,” Sarah added.
Gifts brought to the altar to symbolise Emma’s short but bright life included a pair of football boots, a photo of Lucy who was a “beloved dog and friend”, a picture of a horse and her passport to symbolise her love of travelling.
Fr Chris O’Donnell said Emma was the “only biochemistry student to get to work with horses”.
“It’s every parent's nightmare to lose a child,” Fr O’Donnell mentioned and said that Emma would be missed by all of her friends in St Ailbe’s Gaelic Football Club.
In a post on social media following Emma’s passing St Ailbe’s said “There have been many words to describe [Emma], a leader, determined, strong, extremely witty, never without a smile on her face even when she sang.
“It’s hard to write words in the past tense about this fabulous girl. All the characteristics she had were evident in her achievements on the field, she won two senior county football titles with St Ailbe’s and in the 2011 title, she was player of the match…
“She wasn’t just a leader and a player for her club she was also a willing and helpful club member,” the club said.
Emma was laid to rest in Lough Gur Church Cemetery following her funeral Mass.
She was the beloved daughter of Antoinette and Dan and cherished sister of Mark, Sarah, Joanne and Daniel.
Sadly missed by her loving family, sister-in-law Siobhan, brother-in-law Brian, nephews Jack and Mikey, nieces Elllie and Laoise, aunts, uncles, cousins and a large circle of friends in particular her closest friends who were there for Emma throughout her illness.
May Emma Rest in Peace.