A community in Co Limerick is grieving the tragic loss of a young mother, described as “one of the most selfless and caring people on this planet”, reports The Mirror.
Sarah Gilbourne, a native of Kilmeedy, died “unexpectedly but peacefully at home” on Saturday, September 20, according to a notice shared by her family on RIP.ie.
She is deeply missed by her loving son Kyle, parents Pat and Margaret (née Carroll), siblings Ronan, Barry, and Aoife (Leahy), her partner Kevin, sister-in-law Laura, brothers-in-law Darren and Paudie, grandmother Sheila, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews Melaine, Kayleigh, Joshua, Holly, Callan, Rogan, Lottie, Quinn, Adam, Archie, Cian Bonnie, Emma, and Cillian, as well as extended family, neighbours, countless friends, and her cherished dogs Molly, Rosie, and the rest of the crew, reports The Mirror.
The sudden passing of Sarah has left the close-knit Kilmeedy community in shock, with tributes pouring in for the mum-of-one, who is remembered as “the epitome of kindness and compassion”.
Sarah’s brother Barry runs Kilmeedy Social Farm, which provides educational farm experiences to young people with disabilities, helping them connect with nature and animals, reports The Mirror.
In a moving tribute shared on social media, Barry expressed his heartbreak, saying “a dark cloud has befallen the farm” as the family and community come to terms with Sarah’s loss.
“A dark cloud has befallen the farm and the village of Kilmeedy this weekend, as we mourn the sudden passing of our very special family member, Sarah,” he said, reports The Mirror.
“Sarah meant a lot of things to a lot of people. A true gem in fact. She was the life and soul of our family, the farm and Kilmeedy village. She was the epitome of kindness & compassion \~ one of the most selfless and caring people on this planet. She loved her family, friends, community, patients of St. Ita’s, the outdoors, plants, animals, christmas to name but a few interests and above all else, her adored son Kyle. For anyone who was fortunate to have known or to have crossed paths with Sarah, you will know that she possessed the brightest smile, bestowed the biggest hugs and upon meeting her, she instantly made you feel warm and fuzzy inside!” reports The Mirror.
“We will miss your visits for coffee and chats. Your favourite question being, “What is ye’re next project, Baz & Daz?!”, followed by your big hearty giggle. You will always be in our hearts, as we know we will be in yours. We are just so grateful for all the fabulous memories with you. Thank you for all the smiles and laughs. It is safe to say that Kilmeedy will not be the same without you. Rest easy Sarsy-Pop \~ We love you forever,” reports The Mirror.
Sarah had recently helped organise the Full Moon Rising Festival in Kilmeedy, and organisers paid tribute to her with heartfelt words: “Our hearts are broken as a community. Our beautiful volunteer Sarah sadly passed away this weekend.
“Sarah was a beautiful person, always smiling, always ready for a chat and always there to help out when needed. Loved by everyone who met her. We will never forget you Sarah xx. Our condolences to her son and all the Gilbourne family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you rest in peace Sarah,” reports The Mirror.
Sarah previously worked at University Maternity Hospital Limerick, where she made a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues, many of whom have shared emotional tributes online.
“Deepest sympathies to Sarah’s family, Sarah was a beautiful, kind, caring person. I would have worked with Sarah in the Maternity. Thinking of all Sarah’s family at this hearting breaking time,” one person said, reports The Mirror.
“My deepest condolences to Kyle and all of Sarah’s family, I had the pleasure of working with Sarah in the Mat, Sarah was a very special person with a heart of gold. When I heard about your loss I just remembered her smile and her lovely chuckle. Rest in peace Sarah,” another mourner added, reports The Mirror.
“Sincere sympathy to Sarah’s son Kyle, parents, brothers, sisters and extended family. I knew Sarah when she worked in UMHL and she was a beautiful person in every way,” a close pal said, reports The Mirror.
While a fourth mourner added: “I’m so so sorry to hear this awful news. I worked with Sarah in the maternity she was one kind and lovely person inside and out. May she rest in peace. Thinking of her beautiful son Kyle, he was the love of her life and the gilbourne family.”
Sarah’s family have said that funeral details will be shared on Monday afternoon, reports The Mirror.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
