Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Co Down school teacher who sadly passed away.
Fionnuala Hartigan, a mum-of-three from Newry, was the vice-principal at St Patrick’s College, Banbridge Co Down.
She passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, at Evora Hospice in Newry.
In a death notice online she is described as the “much-loved wife of Ciaran and mother to Eoin, Orla and Kate.
“The daughter of Raymond and Patricia, she was also a sister to Orla Reavey and Declan.”
In a statement the school said: “Our school community is beyond heartbroken that we must announce the passing of our dearly beloved friend and colleague, our vice-principal, Fionnuala Hartigan.
“Words cannot describe the terrible void that this devastating news has left in our school and in our hearts.
“Since 1998, Fionnuala taught, served, and led the pupils and staff of St. Patrick’s with ferocious passion and unyielding loyalty. A teacher of Business and ICT, she was a dedicated educator and a compassionate role-model.
“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 twenty-seven years, and her loss will undoubtedly be felt deeply throughout our community for many years to come.”
Tributes were paid by former pupils, colleagues, and friends in the hours following her passing.
“I am so heartbroken to hear about the passing of Mrs. Hartigan,” one former pupil said in a tribute online.
“She was such a lovely person, always caring, and full of kindness.
“She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and supported in our school community.
“Her sense of humour could brighten any day, and she always found time to listen and help when I needed it.
“For me, Mrs. Hartigan made my time at St. Patrick’s College so much better.
“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. I will always remember her laugh, and the way she could make even serious moments feel lighter.
“She touched so many lives, and her kindness will never be forgotten.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, and everyone at St Patrick’s. She will be missed so much, but her memory will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know her.”
Ms Hartigan’s remains will repose at her family home at 4 The Forge, Hilltown Road, Newry, today (Sunday) from 1pm to 9pm.
Her removal will take place on Monday for 12.30pm Funeral Mass in St Catherine’s Church, Dominic Street, followed by burial in Monkshill Cemetery.