A West Belfast school is mourning the loss of a beloved classroom assistant who has been described as "much loved, dedicated and caring".
Briege O'Brien, a popular member of staff at De La Salle College, passed away suddenly on Monday, 6th June.
Her passing has broken the hearts of the school community with many paying tribute to a beautiful and lovely lady who "cared for her pupils above and beyond".
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It is understood that Mrs O'Brien sustained a serious head injury following an accident last week and was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Corpus Christi parish priest Paddy McCafferty confirmed her passing on social media on Monday.
“I am sorry to relay that the young mother, Briege, for whom we were praying has died,” he wrote.
“God love her and rest her. May God comfort and strengthen her family and all who love her.”
She has left behind her husband Micky and children Aodhan and Conor.
In a statement, De La Salle College said: "Our school community is heartbroken at the loss of Mrs. Briege O'Brien who passed away on the 6th June.
"Briege was a much loved, dedicated and caring Classroom Assistant in the school for the past 15 years.
"In that time, she embodied the very best of Lasallian spirit in action; her warm smile and generous, selfless nature were instrumental in helping pupils in her care to learn and develop.
"Nothing was ever too much trouble for Briege and she always went the extra mile.
"Briege will be sorely missed by pupils, staff and the wider school community she served so faithfully. Our thoughts and prayers are with Briege, her family and friends."
Posting on social media, O'Donovan Rossa G.A.C said: "O’Donovan Rossa are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Briege O’Brien, Mother of Rossa Senior hurler Aodhan O’Brien & former senior hurler Conor McClelland.
"Our entire club would like to send their most sincere condolences to Aodhan, Conor & Briege’s husband Micky at this extremely difficult time.
"Funeral arrangements will be shared later in the week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
Official Antrim GAA also extended its condolences to the O’Brien family.
"CLG Aontroma are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Briege O’Brien, Mother of recent County Hurler Aodhan O’Brien."
"We send our heartfelt condolences at this very sad time to their family and wider circle. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
The club added: "A true Saffron supporter who never misses a game with her son on the county panel last year. RIP Briege."
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