‘Our hearts are breaking’: Solicitor wife of Limerick ex-Irish rugby player passes away suddenly

COMMUNITIES across Limerick city and county are in mourning this Mother’s Day at the sudden passing of prominent solicitor and mum-of-four Ruth Staunton.

Ms Staunton (née Tiernan), wife of former Munster and Ireland rugby international Jeremy Staunton, tragically died following a medical emergency on Friday. Her death notice, published on rip.ie this Sunday, said she passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at University Hospital Limerick.

Ruth, of Ballycummin Road, Raheen and late of Ballyclough, County Limerick, was a commercial solicitor with a major Irish and European legal company. She was aged in her mid-40s.

Ruth was the beloved wife of Jeremy, adoring mother to Dylan, Finn, Cian and Annabel, loving daughter of Maeve and Michael Tiernan and cherished sister of Mark, Hughie, Eoin, David, Kate and Ross.

She is sadly missed by her loving family, parents-in-law Willie and Anne Staunton, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends.

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Minister of State Niall Collins said there has been a veil of sadness over County Limerick since her sad passing.

“I know friends, colleagues and neighbours will come together to support the Staunton and Tiernan families in any way they can in the dark days, weeks and months ahead. May she rest in peace," said Minister Collins, who expressed his sympathies to the Staunton and Tiernan families. Ruth is a daughter of well-known Limerick property developer Michael Tiernan.

Independent councillor Eddie Ryan, from Galbally, said it was such a tragedy for a woman to be taken at such a young age, leaving four young children.

He said Jeremy’s parents - Willie and Anne Staunton (née Cooney) - and his four siblings are hugely-respected and popular in Galbally. Cllr Ryan spoke of the heartbreak for Jeremy, his parents, Ruth's parents and their four young children following her sudden passing.

“On behalf of the community of Galbally, our hearts go out to them at this terribly tough time for them and in the days ahead.

“Our hearts are breaking for them. All we can do is support them at this difficult time as a community,” said Cllr Ryan, who expressed his condolences to the Staunton and Tiernan families, and Cooney family in Kilfeacle.

The long-serving councillor said Ruth was remembered in prayers by Canon John O’Neill at 10.30am Mass in Galbally this Sunday.

Canon O’Neill told the congregation on Mother’s Day to “think of all your mothers” following the tragic loss of Ruth.

Cllr Daniel Butler said he was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ruth. 

“As a fellow husband and parent, my heart truly goes out to Jeremy and to Annabel, Dillon, Cian and Finn. I simply cannot imagine the pain they are experiencing at this time,” said Cllr Butler.

The former mayor of Limerick said his son plays rugby alongside one of their sons.

“Like so many families involved in the club, we see the importance of the support, friendship and community that surrounds our children through sport. News like this reminds us how precious our families are and how important it is that we stand together in support of one another,” said Cllr Butler.

As a mark of respect, Garryowen Rugby Club and the wider Regional United community did not proceed with any underage training or fixtures. 

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Jeremy, the children, and the Tiernan and Staunton families at this incredibly difficult time. May Ruth rest in peace,” said Cllr Butler.

Bereaved husband Jeremy is a teacher and rugby coach. The out-half won five Ireland caps, three Premiership titles - one with Wasps and two with Leicester, a Heineken Cup with Wasps and a Celtic League in the red of Munster. Jeremy also pulled on the rugby jerseys of Garryowen and St Munchin’s College, as well as the green of Limerick for the minor footballers.

Ruth will repose at her parents' residence, Allandale, Ballyclough on Tuesday, March 17 from 3pm to 6pm. 

Funeral to arrive at St Nessan's Church, Raheen, on Wednesday, March 18 for Requiem Mass at 1pm, followed by burial at Castlemungret Cemetery, Mungret.

Limerick Golf Club have kindly offered parking facilities on Tuesday for those attending the reposal (Eircode: V94 XT10).

Requests have been made in her death notice for family flowers only and house private on Wednesday.

May Ruth rest in peace.