‘She'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart' – Virgin Media presenter pays tribute to sister following her death
The gaeilgeoir, who presents popular podcast 'How To Gael' is also one of the weekend presenters on Ireland AM.
Taking to Instagram, she shared the tragic news of her sister Úna's unexpected death.
'My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died, and I'm heartbroken,' she captioned a carousel of pictures shared to Instagram.
'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.'
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Úna passed away unexpectedly at her home in London on April 20.
'A beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha, Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal,' her death notice reads.
'Úna's passing is a huge loss to the family. Deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland.'
Her funeral was held at St Patrick's Church, in Esker, Lucan on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Esker Lawn Cemetery, Lucan.
Tributes poured in, remembering her as bright, clever and funny.
RTÉ 2FM presenter Roz Purcell said: 'Thinking of you and your family.'
Doireann Garrihy added: 'So incredibly sorry for your loss Síomha. Sending you all the love.'
'What a beautiful tribute to Úna, one of the most intelligent and talented people I have ever been fortunate enough to know,' one school friend shared.
'When I remember her, I remember us singing songs from Wicked and Hairspray in the hallways of Coláiste Cois Life. She was never without a song. My utmost sympathies to her family and love from Germany.'
Another mourner added: 'Deepest condolences to you Damhnait, Dermot, Síomha, Aedín & Cathal on the sudden and heart-breaking loss of Úna. The funeral mass was beautiful and you did her proud.
'Thinking of you all at this saddest of times and sending strength your way. Always remember to never forget all the countless happy times & memories and let them carry you through.'
Another shared: 'Deepest sympathies on the passing of beautiful Una. I was so saddened to hear the news, and I am thinking of you all during this incredibly sad time.
'I have very happy memories of Una during our time studying physics and maths at Maynooth University. One of the smartest and brightest people I have ever met. She will be really missed.'
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