Tributes pour in for Clare 'Little Blue Hero' Sofia, 4, following brave battle

Tributes have been pouring in for a Clare ‘Little Blue Hero’ who passed away following a brave cancer fight.

Sofia Jukna from Ballycasey Crescent, Shannon, passed away peacefully in the Crumlin Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by her loving family on July 31.

The four-year-old was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour last year, a medulloblastoma grade IV.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for the “brave little girl” who went to pre-school in Gaelscoil Donncha Rua, in Shannon.

In a tribute to her little “Garda buddy”, Garda Lorraine Quain and An Garda Síochána Clare wrote: “Our hearts are saddened with An Garda Síochána Clare and Garda Lorraine Quain to hear the sad news on the passing of her Garda buddy, Honorary Garda Sofia Jukna (HG 491), who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving parents Vaida and Redis and her brother Ugnius. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.

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“Little Blue Hero laid to rest, she wore the uniform and gave her best, Little Blue Hero fought so brave every day, honour and courage every step of the way, Little Blue Hero smiled when you greet, now to take up duty on a heavenly beat, Little Blue Hero we will never forget and always remember the times we had met, Little Blue Hero under your care, watch upon us and your guiding light we will share.”

“To Sofia's Family, I had such great fun with Sofia in Naoinra Dearcan bheagan. We had lots of happy times and good memories. I will always remember her and the fun times we shared. Lots of love, Zoe your friend,” read a note in Sofia’s condolences book.

“Our hearts are saddened to hear that Sofia Jukna passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving parents Vaida and Redis and her brother Ugnius. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam/ May her gentle soul rest in peace.

"Sofia attended Naíonáin Dearcán Bheaga, Gaelscoil Donncha Rua. Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents and family, múinteoir Clodagh, Katie, Amy and all the children that knew and loved Sofia during her time spent in the pre-school,” paid Sofia’s school in tribute.

The little girl will be deeply missed by her heartbroken family, parents Vaida and Redis, brother Ugnius, grandmother Dalyte, uncle Justas, aunts Antose, Neringa and Vidis, cousins, extended family and her loving friends.

Sofia’s funeral took place on Saturday, August 3 in Shannon Crematorium.

May she rest in peace.