RTE Operation Transformation leader Mary Diamond has died aged 57.
Mary, who appeared on the 2018 series of the show, died earlier this week. The Mayo woman's death comes after another Operation Transformation leader from the same season, Sarah O'Callaghan, passed away after a battle with cancer in 2021, aged 30.
Operation Transformation confirmed the news of Mary's passing in a statement on Instagram earlier today, 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. Mary was an absolute gem. It was honour and privilege to know her. May she rest in peace."
Tributes from colleagues and fans of the show began pouring in online after the news emerged. Wayne O'Donnell, who also appeared on the 2018 series, shared a poignant 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!"
Paddy Lannigan, who also 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 and 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.
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