10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘She had smile that could light up any room' – Sister's touching funeral tribute to GAA player, 24, who died abroad
A YOUNG Irish woman who passed away in Australia died in the company of her favourite people, her funeral was told.
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Marie Claire Rogers, 24, died on Monday, April 28
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She worked as a nurse at St Joseph's Hospital in Ardee
Credit:
The Louth
She had been visiting her sister, Heather, and cousin, Roisin, in Australia when she became
Friends and family of the young Naomh Fionnbarra player gathered for her heartbreaking funeral earlier this morning.
Her funeral mass took place this morning at Saint Columcille's Church, in
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Attendees heard about how Marie Claire had been living her life to the fullest in her final two weeks.
Gifts brought to the altar included a GAA jersey,
Fake tan and some high heels were also brought up, showing her love for dancing and going out with friends.
During the mass, Parish Priest Fr Paddy Rushe said there were "no words that can carry the weight of this moment".
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He added: "We gather not only in mourning but also in shock, disbelief, it still feels impossible to accept that Marie Claire, so young, full of life, so loved, is no longer with us.
"Her absence leaves a silence that will echo loudly. Not just in her family but in every place where her smile once lit up the room. Her voice lifted spirits and her presence brought warmth and joy."
'INFECTIOUS ENERGY'
Marie Claire's older sister, Grace, paid a touching tribute to her.
She said: "Marie Claire had a smile that could light up any room, she had an infectious energy that inspired everyone around her, she wore her heart on her sleeve and it was open to everyone.
'This was evident in the love she shared with the love of her life Paraic. Paraic entered our lives two years ago and the impact he made on Marie Claire and our family can't be overstated.
'Every time he walked into our kitchen Marie Claire's eyes lit up. She loved nothing more than walking on the beach with him.'
She added that her family found comfort in knowing that her final moments were spent with her favourite people - her best friends Heather and Roisin.
She said: 'What an amazing two weeks they had. From a hot air balloon, to a sky dive to snorkelling in the great barrier reef, she experienced more things in those two weeks with her best friends than most people experience in a lifetime.'
'CARING BY NATURE'
Marie Claire worked as a nurse at St Joseph's
Her sister added: "Marie Claire had a smile that could light up any room and this translated so well into her nursing career, caring by nature.
"Over the past two weeks it has been so comforting to hear how much she was adored by colleagues and patients. Football also played a massive part in her life and the Finnbarr ladies were like a family to her.
'A messer at training but once she took to the field she gave 110% every time and was instrumental in all the great successes the club has shared.'
Parish Priest Fr Paddy Rushe added that
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The talented GAA player died after a short illness while on holiday in Australia
