Tributes paid to Tipperary mother described as 'one of life’s loveliest people'

Tributes have been paid online following the untimely passing of well-liked Tipperary woman, Áine Hennessy, who passed away peacefully after an illness on 7 October. 

An avid sportswoman, Áine's local Templemore Athletic Club posted a tribute to her on Facebook: "Áine was an integral part of and one of the driving forces behind Templemore Athletic Club. Áine had been involved and was a huge part of every aspect of Templemore AC for many years. She held many different key roles within the club. She was on the Finance Committee, served time as Children’s Officer and she was the founding member of Templemore Fit4life.

"Áine will be remembered as one of Templemore AC’s finest coaches. Her ambition was that Templemore AC would play a huge part in the local community and schools, a place where young and old could meet, train, get fit and have fun doing so. Áine was hugely successful in realising these goals. Templemore Athletic Club would not be what it is today without our dear friend Áine."

More tributes were paid online with one person writing "She will be remembered by all who knew her as one of life’s loveliest people, so genuine, warm, full of life, always contributing and always with a smile."

Another said "She was a truly wonderful person. I was privileged to go to school with her. Why are so many of the kind and good people taken before their time."

Many praised Áine for being a great mentor: "Áine will be sadly missed by all her ‘fit for life members’, she was a wonderful mentor who encouraged us all to train."

"A fabulous person in every way and a great mentor for the not so fit in fit for life."

"She gave so much of her time to fit4life and to athletics in the town always encouraging with a smile."

Áine is deeply regretted by her devoted husband Michael, daughters Grainne, Deirbhile and Eimear, son Leon, Mam Anne, sisters Fiona and Sorcha, brothers Cuilan, Gearóid and Ronan, brothers in law, sisters in law, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins’ relatives and friends.

She will be reposing in Grey’s Funeral Home, Templemore this Wednesday Evening from 4 pm. Removal at 8 pm to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Templemore. Requiem Mass on Thursday at 12 noon. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Templemore afterwards.