Beautiful Niamh, 16, touched so many lives with her love, giggle and warm smile

THE LATE Niamh McNally has left a void in south Limerick that will never be filled after her sudden passing in University Hospital Limerick on Monday.

The 16-year-old displayed maturity and strength which belied her tender years, and brought joy, love and laughter to family, friends, pupils and teachers in Knockainey National School and John the Baptist Community School in Hospital. 

It is the second tragedy to befall the McNally family, of Ardykeohane, Bruff, as Niamh’s father John died in a tragic diving accident in 2014. He was just 46.

Niamh is sadly missed by her heartbroken mother Carolyn (O'Neill - McNally), aunts Melissa, Rosie and Ellen, uncles Peter, Eric, Alan and grandad Clem, cousins, family, relatives, close friends at home and in school.

Her requiem Mass takes place on Thursday, February 1, at 11.30am in St Mary's Church, Knockainey.A private family cremation service will take place afterwards.

The family have kindly asked for donations in lieu of flowers to Crumlin Hospital where Niamh bravely attended during her all too short life. Click here to donate

Countless tributes have been paid on rip.ie by people shocked and saddened by Niamh’s untimely passing.

They were led by her aunt Melissa who said her beautiful, sweet, loving niece passed away suddenly at the tender age of 16-years-old. 

“She touched our lives with her love, her giggle and her warm smile. We are all heartbroken by her loss in our lives, none more than her mammy, her rock, who was always there for her. 

“You’re with your daddy now, sweetheart. I love you dearly and forever. You were so strong and endured so much for one so young. Our hearts ache. You are our sunshine. Love you to bits my precious little angel,” said Melissa.

The pupils, staff and board of management of Knockainey NS expressed their deepest sympathies to Carolyn and the extended O'Neill and McNally family on the death of Niamh.

“The happy, fond memories that we have of her primary school years with us are filled with Niamh's bubbly, friendly personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn and family, Niamh's friends and all at John the Baptist Community School over the coming days, weeks and months. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis,” they wrote.

A number of teachers in John the Baptist Community School have also shared their experiences of teaching Niamh.

“A kind and pleasant young girl who would light up the day and any class she was in. Niamh was always so calm and cheerful and I will fondly remember the time I spent teaching Niamh and her friends. Rest well now young lady with your dad. No words can express the sadness we feel today. You have gone much too soon. My deepest condolences to Niamh's mother and family.”

A student said she had such a gentle, kind soul and “knew exactly how to light up the room”.

Businesses including Clancy’s Bar and Bruff Medical Centre have shared their sadness at the terrible news. The opening of Wild Pixie Gift Shop in Bruff, a collective of six local independent business women including Carolyn, has been postponed until Thursday, February 8. 

The gifts that her daughter Niamh gave to so many during her short life will never be forgotten.

May she rest in peace.