Heartfelt tributes have been shared for a ‘funny, charismatic, and kind-hearted’ teenager who sadly passed away after bravely battling illness, reports The Mirror.
15-yr-old Ryan Kearney, from Leighlinbridge in Co Carlow, died suddenly yet peacefully on Monday at St. John’s Ward in Crumlin Children’s Hospital following a courageous fight against cancer.
Ryan was diagnosed with the devastating disease around Christmas last year at just 14 years old, with his friends and family participating in a charity run in March that helped raise €10,000 for the Childhood Cancer Fund, reports The Mirror.
A death notice posted on RIP.ie reads: “Ryan was cherished every moment by his heartbroken parents David and Sinead, and his brother Adam and sister Laura. He will be missed greatly by his grandfathers Dick Kearney and Declan Cuddy, by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, his friends, and his girlfriend Maeve,” reports The Mirror.
Ryan was a passionate football fan who played for local club Vale Wanderers FC, with the club issuing a moving tribute to the young player in an emotional message shared on social media.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Ryan Kearney, a much-loved young player with Vale Wanderers,” the club stated. Ryan was a funny, charismatic, and kind-hearted young man who lit up every pitch he played on. He was a fantastic team player, a loyal friend, and someone who brought great spirit and warmth to our club,” reports The Mirror.
“Ryan will be sadly missed by everyone at Vale Wanderers, and his absence leaves a space that can never be filled. His courage and positivity touched so many lives, and his memory will always be a part of our club. We are thinking especially of his parents, David and Sinead, his sister Laura, and his brother Adam at this heart-breaking time. The Kearney family’s strength and generosity, raising significant funds for Children’s Cancer in Ryan’s name, was a remarkable testament to the love and resilience within the Kearney family – a day and an effort that will never be forgotten,” reports The Mirror.
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“David, Sinead, Adam, Laura, Grandads Dick and Declan and all of Ryan’s Aunts, Uncles, cousins and very many friends, you are all in our thoughts, and we walk beside you now and in the days ahead. Rest in peace, Ryan,” reports The Mirror.
Ryan attended Presentation De La Salle College in Bagenalstown where he left a strong impression on both teachers and classmates.
In a heartfelt online tribute, one of Ryan’s teachers at PDLS shared: “I am so sad to hear of Ryan’s death. A pleasure to have in the classroom – always one to provoke a historical debate, he had a pure love of history and inspired those around him. I was so glad to meet him the last week of school. May God give you all the strength to get through the next while. Ryan rest in the arms of the angels,” reports The Mirror.
Ryan previously attended Leighlinbridge N.S., where a teacher praised the widely loved teenager as “the kind of young man you don’t forget” in a touching tribute posted online. Sinéad, David, Adam, Laura and the Kearney and Cuddy extended families, I am so deeply saddened to hear of Ryan’s passing,” she said, reports The Mirror.
“Ryan had such a kind, unassuming nature, wrapped in mischief and joy, always with a twinkle in his eye! He made people laugh and feel loved. He was the kind of young man you don’t forget. May you find comfort in the laughter he brought, the love he gave so freely, and the memories that will always remain with you,” reports The Mirror.
Friends also paid tribute to the secondary school student, with one mourner saying: “Our deepest sympathies to the Kearney family on Ryan’s passing, he was such a great young man and he will be sadly missed,” reports The Mirror.
Another added: “Thinking of you all at this incredibly sad time. Ryan was a special guy – his smile lit up a room. May he rest in peace.”
A third mourner said: “Sincere sympathy to the kearney family and extended family on the sad passing of your beautiful boy Ryan such a lovely young boy and what a big smile rest in peace Ryan,” reports The Mirror.
Ryan’s family have stated that funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date.
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