Tributes have been paid to young Graiguecullen girl Heather Cowan who tragically lost her battle with cancer this week.
Heather was in sixth class in St Fiacc’s national school in Graiguecullen and the Cowan family are an integral part of the local community.
Her father David was former secretary of Graiguecullen GAA and owns the much-loved Lazy River café just over the bridge in Graiguecullen.
Heather is mourned by her parents David and Mary, brothers Eoghan and James and grandparents Mary Morrissey and Ian Cowan. She is pre-deceased by her grandparents Jimmy Morrissey and Janette Cowan.
“She was young and full of life. From GAA to dancing to music, Heather was involved in everything,” said Graiguecullen GAA Club PRO Paul Dargan.
A loss felt by the whole community
“The Cowan family are at the centre of the community in Graiguecullen. David was heavily involved in the GAA here – from coaching to following teams with Heather and her brothers Eoghan and James all the way up along,” said Paul.
Heather received her diagnosis earlier this year and had been bravely battling against it for the past few months.
She was part of the championship winning U-12 ladies football team last year and is pictured with her father David after the final above.
“It’s devastating. There are no other words for it,” added Paul.
Tributes were also paid to Heather on Graiguecullen GAA’s Facebook page.
“A tough few days for everybody and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cowan family, relatives and friends. We are deeply saddened by the news of Heather passing away and it really is heartbreaking.”
All underage activities in the club have been cancelled this weekend as a mark of respect.
Heather was surrounded by her loving family at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, and tributes have poured in by those who knew her.
Reposing at her home from Friday at 2pm with Prayers at 8pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 12 noon in St. Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen and will be followed by Burial in Sleaty New Cemetery.
House private on Saturday morning please.
Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Paediatric Unit, St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny and St. John’s Ward, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin.
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