Ireland AM presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc has shared her heartbreak following the sudden loss of her “beautiful and wildly intelligent” sister, Úna, reports The Mirror.
Úna O’Rourke, originally from Lucan in Dublin, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 20, at her home in London, where she had been living for several years.
Síomha, known for presenting on Virgin Media’s weekend morning show and co-hosting the popular How To Gael podcast, penned an emotional tribute to her late sister as the family begins to navigate “a new normal without her,” reports The Mirror.
Posting a series of touching family photos on Instagram on Thursday evening, Síomha wrote: “My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died and I’m heartbroken. Ní chreidim é fós. Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed each other – as sisters do. As adults, we accepted each other for exactly who we are and I’m so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life. My family and I can’t thank everyone enough for the support we’ve received since. The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands,” reports The Mirror.
“We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. We’ve been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain. Now, we face a new normal without her. But she’ll be with me – like a handprint on my heart. It’ll never not be; Úna agus Síomha,” reports The Mirror.
Síomha’s heartfelt post prompted a wave of support from friends and colleagues who offered their condolences.
Ireland AM’s Muireann O’Connell said: “Oh Síomha, I’m so sorry for the tragic loss of your beloved sister. All my love to you and your family,” reports The Mirror.
Singer Una Healy commented: “I am so sorry for your loss sending you and your family so much love.”
Ireland AM broadcaster and stylist Rosalind Lipsett added: “I’m so sorry for your loss. That’s absolutely devastating. Sending you and your family so much love,” reports The Mirror.
A death notice published on rip.ie described Úna as “a beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha, Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal.”
“Úna’s passing is a huge loss to the family,” it said, noting that her sudden death is “deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland,” reports The Mirror.
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