Tributes have been paid following the passing of much-loved Ballina resident Christina Irwin (née Tuohy).
A member of a widely known and respected Mayo GAA family, Christina, of Rosserk and formerly of Breaffy, Castlebar died peacefully in the care of her loved ones last Thursday, February 25.
Christina's death has plunged Mayo’s sporting community into mourning. Her husband, Gabriel Irwin, was a member of the Mayo senior team from 1983 until 1990, earning three Connacht titles and an All Star during his inter-county career, and her brother, Seamus Tuohy, is the former Mayo GAA Vice-Chairperson.
Loving mother of Claire, Jack, Ailbhe and Frank, Christina, who worked as an area manager of Mayo Community Living, was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Claire, and her father-in-law John.
She is also sadly missed by her mother-in-law Kitty Irwin; brothers Seamus and Tommie; sisters Mary, Claire O’Dea, Helen Kilbane and Bríd Tuohy-Ward; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; aunt Kathleen; uncle Jimmy; nephews; nieces; relatives; neighbours; work colleagues and a wide circle of friends.
Following the sad news of her passing, a number of local GAA clubs have paid tribute to the revered and well-respected young mum.
In a statement, Breaffy GAA club said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the very sad passing of Christina Irwin (nee Tuohy) Ballina & formally Breaffy.
"Her passing has evoked immense sadness & sorrow in her native Breaffy & surrounding area.
"The Tuohy & Irwin families are synonymous with GAA at both Club & County Level.
"We send our sincere heartfelt condolences to Christina's heartbroken husband Gabriel, her children Claire, Jack, Ailbhe & Frank, her loving brothers Seamus & Tommie, sisters Mary, Claire, Helen & Brìd, brothers & sister in Laws, nieces & nephews, extended family, neighbours & friends".
Ballina Stephenites GAA Club also paid tribute to Christina, describing her as "a lady with a big heart and great humour who has many friends in the club who will no doubt miss her so much".
Christina was also a keen cyclist and was heavily involved in the Lisheen Cooneal Crossmolina Cycling Club, who have paid a touching tribute following the sad news of her passing.
"With broken hearts we express our sincere condolences to Gabriel, Claire, Ailbhe, Frank & Jack and extended family on the passing of our truly wonderful friend and club member Christina Irwin," they said in a message shared on social media.
"Christina was a shining light in the group, our sunshine, with a wonderful heart and beautiful kind nature and spirit, an absolute diamond.
"We will always carry fond memories close to our hearts of the fun times we shared with you over the years of pedalling, especially throughout the winter miles for the summer smiles.
"There is no doubt we have lost a truly wonderful 'Sunshine Spinner'. Rest In Peace Christina & keep the wind on our backs xx."
Christina’s funeral cortege is due to arrive at St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina today (March 1) for Mass of the Resurrection at 11.30am, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery.
Due to current restrictions and guidelines, Christina's Funeral Mass will be private to family only (10 people) but can be viewed via livestream on ballinaparish.org.
