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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Marita Moloney

Irish community in mourning as tributes paid to young mum and popular teacher with 'a heart of gold'

Tributes are pouring in for a "much-loved" mother-of-two and primary school teacher following her death.

Donna Boyle, from Ardara in Co Donegal, died while in the care of Donegal Hospice.

The beloved teacher, who worked at Frosses NS, is being mourned by her "soulmate" husband and two children, as well as her wider family and friends.

People from the community and beyond have been remembering her for her "warm personality and beautiful smile", as well as her "kind nature" and "devotion" to her kids.

Her local GAA club, of which her husband and two children are members, paid tribute to the "doting mother" and person "with a lovely kind nature", as Donegal Daily reports.

CLG Ard an Ratha in Andara said: "Another light went out in the parish during the night with the heartbreaking news that Donna Boyle of Kentucky passed away in Donegal hospice.

"Donna will be remembered by us all as a girl with a lovely kind nature, a doting mother to Eoghan and Aoibheann and a devoted wife to her soulmate Brendan who fought her dignified Illness with her every step of the way.

"We will do our best to support them now as they cope with their devastating loss.

"We will miss Donna's smiling face at the field as she cheered the kids on and no doubt she will still carry on doing that as she looks down on them and Brendan from above.

"We offer our deepest sympathy to them and to Danny, Marion, Donal, Barry and the extended Boyle and Dunnion families. Rest in Peace Donna."

Local community page Donegal Online said: "The communities of Barnesmore (Donegal Town) and Kentucky (Ardara) are deeply saddened today after the passing of Donna (Dunnion) Boyle in Donegal Hospice last night.

"Donna was a devoted wife to Brendan and mother to their young children; Eoghan & Aoibhinn."

Numerous other tributes have been paid to Donna, with many people describing her as a "lovely lady" and "great teacher".

One person said: "Heartbroken to hear this, Donna was a beautiful lady inside and out and had a heart of gold. Deepest sympathy to Brendan, Eoghan, Aoibhin, her parents, brothers, in-laws and extended family and friends."

A second said: "Sympathies to all Donna's family and friends. She taught some of my family in Frosses National School and the children loved her.

"May she rest in eternal peace and may God comfort her family. She truly is on her way to the throne of God having suffered so long."

A third wrote: "Heartbreaking to hear that Donna has passed away. She will be long remembered for her warm personality and beautiful smile. It was an honour to have known her.

"Our sympathies to Brendan and children, Danny, Marion, Barry, Donal and the extended Dunnion and Boyle families. May she rest in peace."

Another person said: "Condolences to the Boyle and Dunnion families, Donna was a lovely lady and a great teacher may her gentle soul rest in peace."

Donna's funeral Mass will take place at The Church of The Holy Family, Ardara, on Friday. (Google Maps)

Someone else said: "So very sorry to hear this, Donna was such a lovely kind person and always had time for everyone, many a day we enjoyed playing camogie together. May she rest in peace."

While another tribute read: "So sorry to hear this. Donna was a beautiful young woman in every sense of that word. My heart goes out to Brendan and all the Boyle's and Dunnions."

Donna will be laid to rest in Ardara on Friday morning.

A notice on RIP.ie reads: "The death has taken place at The Donegal Hospice of Donna Boyle (nee Dunnion) Kentucky, Ardara and formerly Barnesmore, Donegal Town.

"Beloved wife of Brendan, much loved mother of Eoghan and Aoibhinn, treasured daughter of Danny and Marian Dunnion and dear sister to Barry and Donal and her extended family. Sadly missed by her relatives neighbours and friends.

"Her remains will leave the Eternal Light Chapel of Rest Mountain Top Letterkenny, today at 2.30pm, travelling via Ballybofey, Donegal Town, Frosses, Kilraine and Hillhead, Ardara, to arrive at her late residence at approximately 4.30pm.

"The house is strictly private this evening please and will be opened to the public from 12 noon tomorrow, Wednesday. Funeral from there on Friday morning at 10.30am to The Church of The Holy Family, Ardara, for 11am requiem Mass with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family time from 11pm to 12 noon."

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