Shannon teen laid to rest following passing from meningitis

A SHANNON teenager has been laid to rest following her untimely passing after contracting meningitis. 

Aoife Johnston from Cronan Lawn in Shannon passed away on Monday at University Hospital Limerick after falling ill suddenly over the weekend. 

The sixth year student at St Caimins Community School in Shannon was described at her funeral Mass in St John and Paul's Church as a "unique" and "bubbly" young woman. 

During the celebration of Aoife's life, it was announced that two people had received the teenager's organs, giving two families a precious gift through her death. 

Mourners were told that the donation had been a success and there were now two people who lived because of Aoife's loss. 

Fr Arnold Rosney told mourners that they should not be in the church, just three days before Christmas, for the funeral of a "beautiful young woman".

Fr Rosney said that Aoife's light would provide solace to her family and friends in their time of darkness. 

Mourners told to remember Limerick man who died following fall ‘as he lived and not as he died’

Gifts brought to the altar to symoblise Aoife's life included her phone, a lock of her hair, a school project, her memory box and a sticky toffee pudding. 

The youngest of three siblings, Aoife's sisters Megan and Kate spoke lovingly of their "best friend" and said they were "so lucky" to have her in their lives for 16 years. 

Speaking through tears, Kate spoke beautifully of her sister saying she was struggling to come to terms with the fact that she won't see her again. 

"You were my world, my mini me. You brought joy and happiness to us all with your cheeky laugh and funny ways. 

"I will cherish the memories we made together forever. I love you more than you will ever know".

Megan spoke of her sister's "bubbly character" and spoke about how she loved spending time with her friends and boyfriend Cillian. 

The Leaving Cert student's year head Tara McLoughlin said she left her mark on the school community forever. 

"She was such a good example to her friends and classmates. She was able to stand up for herself and others. 

"She will be remembered for her spirit, contagious laughter and her sense of justice". 

Aoife was laid to rest in Illaunmanagh Cemetery following her funeral Mass.

Aoife is deeply missed by her heartbroken family, parents James and Carol, sisters Meagan and Kate, grandparents Jimmy and Evelyn, aunts, uncles, cousins, boyfriend Cillian, large circle of friends, extended family and neighbours. She is predeceased by her nana Nuala.