Dundalk bids final farewell to Sonia Hoey

There was great sadness in Dundalk on Saturday, as the funeral took place of former soccer and GAA star, Sonia Hoey, who passed away last Tuesday following a long illness.

Sonia was a talented sports star, having scored the winning goal for Dundalk in the 2005 Women’s FAI Cup final against Peamount United at Lansdowne Road, captaining the Dundalk IT football team, alongside playing GAA with Dowdallshill before she went on to play with the Louth Senior GAA team.

Following a long struggle with cancer, having been first diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in February 2019, she passed away peacefully at the Louth County Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Sonia's removal took place on Saturday morning, from her family home at Ard Easmuinn in Dundalk. Her coffin was draped in the colours of Dowdallshill GFC and a Dundalk FC flag, as the cortege proceeded on foot to the Church of the Holy Redeemer, where her funeral mass took place.

At the funeral, gifts were brought up to the altar representing Sonia's life, including, a Dundalk FC ticket; her football boots she wore when she scored in the FAI Cup final; her Manchester United jersey, who she supported, along with her Dundalk FC, Castletown Belles, Dowdallshill, Louth, Rock Celtic and DkIT jerseys; her passport, as she loved to travel; and her gold medal for running.

Sonia's sister Serena paid an emotional tribute to her sibling, saying: “Sonia was an incredible sports talent and an incredible person. She was kind, funny and helpful.“She was highly intelligent, she could put her mind to anything. The heart of a lion, a brave, courageous young woman who was taken away from us too young.”

She continued: “She played for many teams but it wasn't until she put the Dundalk FC jersey on that we saw her in her prime. I will never forget watching her play the FAI Cup final in 2005 in Landsdowne Road. Young Katie Taylor tried to mark out our Sonia but Katie was punching up above her weight against our legend. Sonia scored the winning goal and brought victory home to Oriel Park and made history.”

She moved her talents to the GAA when she decided to play with Dowdalhills Ladies. “She went on to play for the Louth Ladies team and won the Leinster final in 2009.”

Serena concluded: Sonia, you will shine bright in the night sky like the super star you are.” Following the funeral mass, Sonia was laid to rest at St Patrick’s Cemetery.

Tributes were passed on social media, from across the local community, following Sonia's passing last week. Dundalk FC said that “we were all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former women's team player Sonia Hoey. Sonia wrote her name into the history books when she scored the winning goal for Dundalk City in the 2005 Women’s FAI Cup final against Peamount United at Lansdowne Road. RIP, Sonia.”

Rock Celtic FC said that “everyone at Rock Celtic send their deepest condolences to Serena McArdle and the Hoey Family on the passing of dear Sonia. Sonia played with our ladies team back in 2014. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.”

Dowdallshill GF & AC, where Sonia played Gaelic football, mourned her passing, saying that “the Club wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to the Hoey and McArdle families, on the passing of former Dowdallshill GF & AC Ladies player Sonia Hoey. Sonia was part of the Louth Junior FC winning team of 2012 and Intermediate 2013. She also represented the County, and as well as her Gaelic skills, she was also a noted soccer player, scoring Dundalk City's winning goal in their FAI Cup Final victory of 2005. Ar dheis dé go raibh a h-anam.”