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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Anita McSorley & Mikie O'Loughlin

RTE Operation Transformation leader Mary Diamond dies aged 57 as tributes paid to 'absolute gem'

Tributes are being paid to RTE Operation Transformation leader Mary Diamond who has died aged 57.

The Mayo woman appeared on the 2018 series of the show and died earlier this week.

Operation Transformation confirmed the sad news in a statement on Sunday, saying: "We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our 2018 Leader Mary Diamond who sadly passed away earlier this week

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"Mary was an absolute gem. It was honour and privilege to know her. May she rest in peace."

Those who knew and worked with her have also been paying tribute, RSVP reports.

Wayne O'Donnell, who also appeared on the 2018 series, shared a touching tribute to her.

He said: "It was a privilege to share my journey with Mary. We all became close friends and remained close after the show.

"Mary was always smiling and entertaining us. Such a lady !!

"We will always remember you Mary, I’m sure your dancing with Sarah in heaven. Sleep tight!"

Operation Transformation 2018 series (RTE)

Paddy Lannigan, who worked on the RTE show, added: "Devastating news. An absolute delight to work with Mary on OT. She was a lady. Thinking of Mary’s family & also the OT family."

Mary lived at Cordarragh in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo with her husband Joe and sons Gary, Robbie and Paul.

She is also survived by her parents Rita and James Caulfield, brother Michael, sister Ann-Marie, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews Tadgh, Faith, Cormac and Jay Jay, neighbours and friends.

Her funeral mass took place on Saturday in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. The burial followed in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kilitmagh.

Mary Diamond from Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, pictured on the RTE's Operation Transformation (Andres Poveda Photography)

Mary ran Montessori school from her garden. On the assessment day for OT, Mary fainted during the 'Circle of Truth', a session with psychologist Eddie Murphy.

This death comes after Operation Transformation leader Sarah O'Callaghan passed away after cancer battle in 2021, aged 30

Sarah appeared on the same season as Mary, back in 2018.

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