Donnelly, Laura
December 18, 2012
Great sadness at news of Laura's tragic death
A rural community and a town school have been left heartbroken and devastated by the sudden and tragic death last week of a young woman who would have celebrated her 19th birthday on Christmas Eve.
Laura Donnelly, who sat her Leaving Cert at the Presentation Secondary School in Wexford in June, passed away at her home in Ballinahask, Kilmuckridge, last Wednesday evening. The principal of the Presentation, Breda Cogley, was among those who remembered her fondly after the tragic news emerged.
'Laura was a very committed student and was respected and loved by all,' said Breda. 'She was a talented student but was always modest about her achievements.' Breda added that she recalls how Laura displayed an independent spirit and always stood up for what she thought was right. Her younger sister, Sophie, is currently in Transition Year at the school. Laura had gone on to begin the course she had dreamed of, Health and Leisure in Waterford IT, and was loving it there.
Her heartbroken parents Bill and Joanne, sister Sophie, brother Robert, grandfather Billy Donnelly and grandmother Anne Furlong, uncles, aunts and cousins have been comforted in the past week by family, friends and neighbours. At her Funeral Mass on Saturday at St. Mary's Church in Kilmuckridge, Laura's achievements and contributions to her local community were recalled.
Among the items brought to the altar during the Mass were a pair of Irish dancing shoes, signifying her talent and accomplishments as an Irish dancer. Laura was due to dance on stage with her sister Sophie and aunt Andrea in the local pantomime on Thursday. It was postponed to January following the tragedy. A pair of soccer boots were also brought up, remembering her sporting talent. She played soccer with the local St. Joseph's Club, as well as camogie with Buffers Alley, and Gaelic football with Realt na Mara/Ballygarrett. Also presented to the altar was her black belt in Taekwondo and a medal won when she was runner-up in the World Taekwondo Championships in her grade several years ago.
A mug representing her love of a good cup of tea, was also offered, as was one of her art works. Laura was an exceptionally talented artist and loved painting and drawing. She was very involved with the local drama group painting backdrops and sets for various productions.
'She was a quiet girl, but basically anything she did, one hundred cent wasn't enough for her,' said her uncle Jimmy Furlong. 'She did swimming, but that wasn't enough. She went on to qualify as a Lifeguard. There was very little that she didn't get involved in locally.'
At her Funeral on Saturday, tributes were paid to Laura by Fr. Seamus Larkin who knew her as an altar server during her primary schooling in the village. He spoke of the sense of shock in the local community at her sudden loss. Her neighbour Michael Murphy also gave an emotional eulogy.
Guards of honour were provided by members of St. Joseph's, Buffers Alley, Realt na Mara Ballygarrett, Kilmuckridge Drama Group and the Pantomime Society. She was laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Predeceased by her grandmother Beth Donnelly, and grandfather Jimmy Furlong, Laura is survived by her loving parents Bill and Joanne, sister Sophie, brother Robert, grandfather Billy, grandmother Anne, uncles, aunts, cousins, and a wide circle of family friends and neighbours.
May she Rest in Peace.
Courtesy of The Wexford People.
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