An Irish community has been left in a “state of shock” following the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl.
Tributes are being paid to Aoibhe Byrne from Monaghan following her death in Carrickmacross on Wednesday evening.
The popular girl played GAA with Magheracloone Ladies, basketball with Carrick Cruisers and soccer with Carrick Rovers AFC. She was a student at Colaiste Dun an Ri in Co Cavan.
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Magheracloone GAA club has suspended all club activities as a mark of respect.
A spokesperson said the community was in shock following the death of the “beautiful soul”.
“It is with profound sadness that our club learned of the passing of one of our club mates, Aoibhe Byrne. Our whole community is in a state of shock. Aoibhe, a beautiful soul, always with a smile on her face, taken from us too soon.
“The club would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this devastating time. At this time of sadness, there are just no words, we offer our prayers, thoughts and support to you all. Rest in peace beautiful Aoibhe, you will be sadly missed," they said.
Aoife played in the Under 16 team for Carrick Cruisers, who said her “beautiful smile and bubbly personality will be greatly missed”.
The team posted on social media: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the tragic news of the death of our U16 player, Aoibhe Byrne. Aoibhe's beautiful smile and bubbly personality will be greatly missed by all the Cruisers.
“We would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to her mum & dad, sister and brothers at this devastating time. Rest in peace Aoibhe, you will be sadly missed.”
Carrick Rovers, for which Aoife played in the Under 15 girls team, said: “Carrick Rovers AFC would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Byrne family on the sudden and tragic loss of Aoibhe, who played for our Under 15 Girls side.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. May she Rest in Peace.”
Her school Colaiste Dun an Ri also paid a touching tribute following the “devastating loss”.
A spokesperson said: “Our hearts are breaking today as we come to terms with the devastating loss of our dear student Aoibhe Byrne. Aoibhe was a wonderful lady, an excellent student and a key member of our sports teams. We are so lucky to have had you with us and we will miss you terribly. We will never forget your smiling face and kindness.
“Our sincere sympathies to her family, her extended family and her wide circle of friends. Rest in Peace Aoibhe, you’re always in our hearts.”
A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Mirror that gardai attended the scene and investigations are ongoing.
“Gardai responded to an incident in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan on Wednesday April 27 2022 shortly after 7pm.
“A female youth was pronounced dead at the scene. The local Coroner has been notified. Enquiries are ongoing,” they said.
Funeral details have yet to be announced for the teenager.
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