There is widespread shock and sadness in Abbeyleix this week following the passing of a teenage girl.
Emily Ellen Culhane of Boley, Abbeyleix, died in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on Sunday, January 5 following a short illness.
Emily, who was just 16-years-old, was a Transition Year student in Scoil Chriost Ri in Portlaoise.
Emily is survived by her parents Sean and Bernie and her brother Sam.
Tributes have flooded in online following the news of Emily’s passing.
Her football club, Ballyroan Ladies, posted their condolences on social media yesterday.
They said: “With great sadness we heard yesterday, of the untimely passing of Emily Culhane after a short illness.
“Emily was a fun loving member of our club and we are thinking of her heartbroken family and friends at this devastating time.
“Rest in Peace Emily.”
While her school, Scoil Chriost Ri, which is currently closed due to the weather, say it will have National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) staff in school on Wednesday to support Emily’s fellow students following her loss.
They say: “We learned this morning of the death of Emily Culhane after a brief illness.
“This is a terrible tragedy for the Culhane family, our school, and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events.
“Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Culhane family and Emily’s friends.
“Emily was a Transition Year student and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a great personality and brilliant performer.
“We have been in contact with her parents, and they are very appreciative of the kind offers of support from Emily’s friends.
“Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) will be with us Wednesday morning to support everyone affected by this tragedy.
“Teachers will be helping your daughter with coming to terms with the loss of Emily when they return to school.
“May Emily Rest in Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time.”
Emily’s funeral details will be announced soon. May she Rest in Peace.
SEE ALSO – Coincidence and camaraderie: Two Laois women recall time in An Garda Síochána on their retirement
