Tributes have poured in for a “one in a million” teacher and former showjumper who passed away in hospital from a sudden illness just one day after the death of her newborn daughter.
Aoife Bird, originally from Ferrybank in Waterford but latterly living in Longwood, Co Meath, died last Wednesday at Mullingar Regional Hospital.
Her baby daughter Ailbhe had died the day before, reports Breaking News.
Aoife, whose maiden name was Oates, was a much-loved teacher at Ashbourne Community School in Milltown, Ashbourne, Co Meath.
In a statement the school said that it was with “profound sadness” that they were sharing the sad news of the sudden death of their “esteemed colleague, friend and Spanish, Business and SEN teacher Ms Aoife Oates.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Aoife’s husband Jim and the extended family.We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief. May their gentle souls rest in peace.”
Parents at the school described Aoife as a caring and dedicated teacher who always went above and beyond to help pupils fulfil their potential, reports Breaking News.
The Irish Horse Board also extended condolences to the family and friends of Aoife and baby Ailbhe Bird, stating that Aoife had been a “talented and valued member of the Irish equestrian community for many years.”
The Waterford Tipperary Branch of Showjumping Ireland noted that Aoife had been a competitive member of their branch for many years.
“She represented her branch all over the country aswell as abroad. Her father Peter was also a committee member for several years.
“We send our deepest condolences to her husband Jim and baby boy Daithí, her devastated parents Peter and Margaret, sisters Siobhan, Aisling and Róisín and brother Shane, mother-in-law Veronica, grandparents Micheal and Kathleen, brothers-in-law Ryan, Jack, Charley and Lee, nephews and nieces Beth, Anna, Tadhg and Rory, aunts, uncles and all the wider Bird, Oates and Freeman families plus all Aoife’s many heartbroken friends and colleagues in Ashbourne Community School.”
Meanwhile, online tributes also came from Scoil Mhuire Secondary School in Trim, Drogheda Credit Union, Waterford Camogie, Foroige, and numerous sporting clubs across Meath and Waterford, reports Breaking News.
On Rip.ie the family announced the deaths of their beloved Aoife and her daughter Ailbhe, stating that Aoife had died following a “sudden illness” surrounded by her “heartbroken family.”
Aoife Bird will lie in repose at her parents’ home in Ferrybank, Waterford, on Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm. She will then lie in repose at her own home in Ballymulmore, Longwood, Co Meath on Monday afternoon from 2 pm.
The funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday at 11 am in St Brigid’s Church, Boardsmill, Trim, Co Meath, with burial afterwards in Clonee Cemetery, Longwood, reports Breaking News.
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