Heartfelt tributes have poured in following the sad passing of mother-of-three Fionnuala Hartigan
Fionnuala Hartigan was vice-principal of St Patrick’s College in Banbridge (Image: St. Patrick’s College Banbridge/Facebook)
The sad passing of a dedicated school vice-principal and mother of three has prompted a flood of tributes from former pupils, colleagues, parents and friends.
Fionnuala Hartigan (née Morgan), who lived in Newry, was vice-principal of St Patrick’s College in Banbridge, Co Down.
Mrs Hartigan has been remembered as a “dedicated educator and compassionate role-model” and a “genuine and deeply caring individual,” reports Belfast Live.
“Our school community is beyond heartbroken that we must announce the passing of our dearly beloved friend and colleague, our vice-principal, Fionnuala Hartigan,” St Patrick’s College said in a social media post.
“Words cannot describe the terrible void that this devastating news has left in our school and in our hearts.”
Mrs Hartigan had spent 27 years at St Patrick’s College, having joined in 1998 as a Business and ICT teacher before progressing into senior leadership.
A school spokesperson added: “Her entire career was defined by her unwavering, child-centred approach. Fionnuala believed deeply in the potential of every young person and worked tirelessly to ensure their well-being and success were at the heart of everything we did.
“As a vice-principal, her commitment to creating a positive, vibrant, and inclusive learning and working environment was unparalleled. The impact of Fionnuala’s loving presence and selfless leadership has undoubtedly touched countless lives over these last 27 years, and her loss will undoubtedly be felt deeply throughout our community for many years to come.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Fionnuala’s husband, Ciaran, to her children, Eoin, Orla and Kate, to her parents, Raymond and Patricia and her siblings Orla and Declan during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and offer respect and privacy as they navigate this most difficult time.”
A book of condolence was opened in the school assembly hall on Saturday afternoon.
Past pupils also paid tribute to Mrs Hartigan.
One former pupil wrote: “She wasn’t just a vice principal – she was someone who truly cared about us as people. She encouraged me, believed in me and made school feel like a place where I could grow and be myself. Her kindness will never be forgotten.”
Sign up to our new Crime Ireland newsletter and get exclusive content from Michael O’Toole and Paul Healy
The Irish Mirror’s Crime Writers Michael O’Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Another tribute described her as someone who “always went above and beyond, always did what she did discreetly and with the biggest heart”, adding that she was “one of a kind”.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside you all these years. I will miss you dearly as both a colleague and a friend,” a member of staff at the school said.
In other tributes, Mrs Hartigan was described as “the loveliest, most gentle person” and “a genuinely lovely woman who cared so passionately about the wellbeing of the young people in her care”.
Ms Hartigan’s remains will repose at her family home at 4 The Forge, Hilltown Road, Newry, on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 9pm. Removal will take place on Monday for 12.30pm Funeral Mass in St Catherine’s Church, Dominic Street, followed by burial in Monkshill Cemetery.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.