News
Killarney remembers brave and beautiful Amy O’Connor
T
The town of Killarney is in mourning following the sad passing of brave local girl Amy O’Connor. She was just 11 years of age.
Amy, who had been battling cancer since 2016, passed away peacefully at her Whitebridge Manor home last weekend, a year after helping Dr Crokes captain Johnny Buckley lift the All-Ireland club football trophy in Croke Park.
The O’Connor family issued a touching message expressing their gratitude to the Lewis Road club, saying: "When you're dealing with cancer, a daily dose of inspiration can make a big difference in your outlook on life during your cancer journey. Being around people who inspire, challenge, and make you feel better helps bring perspective and optimism to the situation.”
Since her untimely death, tributes have flooded in for the courageous young girl from friends, clubs and organisations the length and breadth of the country.
Speaking to a crowded St Mary’s Cathedral at the funeral on Wednesday, Amy’s mother Triona said her daughter “loved with her whole heart.”
“It was an honour to be the mother of such a beautiful soul,” she continued. “Her courage and her unyielding desire to beat the monster that was trying to steal her from us was nothing short of inspiring.”
Amy is survived by her parents, Brendan and Triona, brother Cian, grandparents Pat, Winnie, Michael and Nuala, her aunts, uncles, cousins, teammates, classmates at Gaelscoil Faithleann and friends.