RIP: 'Beautiful person inside and out' Tributes paid to talented dancer from Carlow
Sandra’s love and friendship touched the hearts of so many people throughout many communities in Carlow
Tributes have poured in for a woman from Carlow who tragically passed away after a long battle with an illness.
Sandra Harkin was from Quinagh in Carlow Town and she passed away peacefully on the 7th January at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny following a long battle with illness.
Sandra was the devoted wife of her heartbroken husband Ger, the cherished daughter of Margaret and deeply loved sister of Margie, Seamus and Gavin.
Sandra will be sadly missed by her sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews and nieces.
She will also be missed greatly by her numerous friends in the HSE in Carlow and Kilkenny, her colleagues in An Garda Síochana Carlow, her fellow professionals in the Irish Association of Professional Dance Teachers, the All Ireland Board of Ballroom Dancing, the Irish Professional Teachers of Old Time and Sequence Dance Society together with her special friends in the Tae Bo Spartan Fitness group Carlow, the Surviving Cancer Support Group, Carlow Branch of Forsa and Leighlin Credit Union.
Sandra’s love and friendship touched the hearts of so many and she has is forever remembered as a fantastic dancer, wife, a great colleague and a great friend.
Her funeral was held in Leighlinbridge on Saturday 10th January 2026 where she was laid to rest with her beloved sister Mary.
Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie by countless people who knew and loved Sandra greatly, with one mourner writing,
"We cannot express our sympathies enough to you Ger on the loss of your loving wife Sandra. The shock I got from your phone call will stay with me for a very long time. Sandra was a beautiful person inside and out and was admired by so many in the Dance world.
"Sandra loved to dance and loved everything about Ballroom Dancing. Sandra served as secretary in our Association and was an absolutely excellent Secretary keeping us all on our toes. Sandra gained her wings far to early. She fought a great battle but now it is time for her to rest. Sleep well my friend it was an honour and a privilege to have known you".
Another message said, "I still cannot believe she had left us all. I worked with Sandra both in the HSE and as Committee Members of Forsa Trade Union for a long number of years, Sandra was so committed to her work and everything she undertook.
"She had so many interests that both herself & Ger enjoyed. Sandra was dealt a terrible blow with her illness and it was very tough for her. Sandra may you dance with the angels as you glide the floors of heaven".
"We’ve been fortunate to have known Sandra and all the Harkin family for many years. Lovely memories of Sandra growing up in Leighlinbridge. Sandra was the essence of community, always ready to give her all, and, of course, a wonderful dancer and teacher that brought joy to many. So talented in so many ways.
"Sincere sympathy to Sandra’s mother, Margaret, to Sandra’s sister and our great friend Margie and her husband Dom, to all the Harkin family and especially to her husband Ger," another person said.