Heartbreaking tributes paid to ‘courageous' young girl, 5, who died from rare illness after ‘brave battle'
HEARTBREAKING tributes are being paid to a "courageous" young girl after she died from a rare illness.
Katie O'Keeffe, from Tipperary, "fell asleep peacefully" at home on Wednesday.
The brave five-year-old had been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma last year.
The symptoms of the rare type of brain tumour include weakness in the arms and legs, coordination problems and problems controlling eye movements, speech and swallowing.
Katie was a very active child and loved ballet and soccer before she became unwell.
She will be "missed and loved always" by her heartbroken family.
Her death notice reads: "In loving memory of our beautiful and kind Katie who fell asleep peacefully at home on August 6th. 2025 after her brave battle fought with such resilience and courage. Forever Five.
"She will be missed and loved always by her parents Siobhàn and Kevin, her little sister Ròisìn, her grandparents Gerard and Josephine Fahey, Kevin and Esther O'Keeffe and all her aunts, uncles, cousins and her wide circle of friends."
The little girl's funeral will take place this Sunday.
The notice added: "Mass of the Angels will take place on Sunday August 10th. In St. Peter's Church, Moycarkey at 12 noon.
"Katie will be laid to rest afterwards in Aglish Cemetery with family and close friends.
"Donations if desired to Oscar's Kids and Laura Lynn."
Oscar's Kids took to social media to pay tribute to "courageous" Katie yesterday.
They wrote on Facebook: "Beautiful, courageous Katie passed away peacefully yesterday evening.
"This exceptional five-year-old stayed so strong and positive through her journey with DIPG, lifted up by the love and devotion of her mam and dad, Siobhan and Kevin, little sister Róisín, as well as her wider family, friends and the local community in Tipperary.
WHAT IS DIPG?
DIFFUSE Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a fast growing and aggressive brain tumour.
The tumour starts in a part of the brain stem called the pons. The brain stem is above the back of the neck and connected to the spinal cord.
The pons where the tumour is located controls functions such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. It also controls the nerves and muscles used for seeing, hearing, walking, talking, and eating.
DIPG mainly affects children between the ages of five and 10 but can appear in younger children and teenagers. This type of tumour is rare in adults.
Due to the location, rapid growth and aggressiveness of this tumour most patients do not live past two years.
"It was a privilege to make some small impact in such an exceptional girl's life and the world was made better by her wonderful light in it.
"We hope you will hold this incredible little girl and her family in your hearts today. Forever a member of Oscar's Kids and @dubfirebrigade Oscar District"
Childhood Cancer Ireland added: "We sadly share this candle today for a beautiful, brave little girl who gained her wings yesterday. Katie.
"We are thinking of her heartbroken parents, sister, grandparents and all of her loving family, friends and wider community.
"We hope that Katie's family will be surrounded by love and support as they prepare to say goodbye to their shining light, and in the difficult weeks and months to come.
"Another beautiful life taken far too soon. Fly high Katie."
A GoFundMe page had been set up last year to help Katie and her family.
Describing the ordeal for the child's parents, GoFundMe organiser Aine Fahey said: "Her parents were brought into a room and were told to go home and make memories as a family."
"Prognosis was less than a year and radiation the only treatment in Ireland may improve symptoms in some patients."
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