Ireland AM star Síomha Ní Ruairc 'heartbroken' following sudden death of 'beautiful' sister
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Ireland AM star Síomha Ní Ruairc has been left 'heartbroken' following the sudden death of her "beautiful and wildly intelligent" sister Úna.
Lucan native Úna O'Rourke passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 20 at her home in London, where she had been living for a number of years. Síomha, who serves as one of the weekend presenters Ireland AM and also co-hosts the hugely popular How To Gael podcast, has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her beloved sister as her family come to terms with 'a new normal without her', the Irish Mirror reports.
Sharing a number of sweet family photos of Una on her Instagram page 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.
"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."
Síomha's emotional post was met with an outpouring of support from her friends and colleagues who rushed to offer their condolences. Fellow Ireland AM presenter 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."
(Image: Instagram)
Singer Una Healy said: "I am so sorry for your loss sending you and your family so much love." Ireland AM broadcaster and stylist Rosalind Lipsett said: "I'm so sorry for your loss. That's absolutely devastating. Sending you and your family so much love."
A death notice posted on rip.ie remembered Una 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," the notice stated, adding that Una's untimely passing is "deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland." Una's funeral mass was held St. Patrick's Church in Esker, Lucan on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Esker Lawn Cemetery.
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