Bláthnaid’s parents moved their wedding forward to make sure she was able to join their special day along with her sister
Bláthnaid Ní Mhaoilmheanna
The “heartbroken” parents of a four-year-old girl from Belfast who died after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer have paid an emotional tribute to “our brilliant girl.”
Bláthnaid Ní Mhaoilmheanna was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in May of last year, after being unwell and having several hospital visits. Within three days, the youngster had emergency surgery to remove the tumour.
Bláthnaid’s parents Pádraigín and Pearse got married earlier last year, with the couple bringing their wedding forward ahead of her surgery to ensure Bláthnaid could share the moment with her family, including sister Duailtín.
Within three weeks of the surgery, the family got results confirming the worst as the tumour had regrown. Little Bláthnaid had a high-grade glioblastoma wildtype, the most difficult to treat and aggressive form of brain cancer.
Four-year-old Bláthnaid Ní Mhaoilmheanna was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in May of last year
The young girl, who was a pupil at Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh in Belfast, later underwent intense radiotherapy and continued to fight every day.
A fundraising campaign to get specialist treatment for the four-year-old in Germany was launched and raised over £207,000 (€237,000).
On Wednesday, Bláthnaid family announced the tragic news that she had passed away.
“Our Bláthnaid passed away this morning. We are totally heartbroken and so incredibly proud of our brilliant girl who lifted our spirits every minute until the end,” her family her family said in a post on the Dóchas do Bhláthnaid Facebook page.
Bláthnaid with her sister Duailtín and her parents Pádraigín and Pearse at their wedding last year
“Our baby girls bravery in the face of such darkness has left a mark of beauty and dignity on the world that will never leave. May her wee heart have peace. She will be loved, missed and remembered forever by Mamaí, Dadaí, Duailtín and our whole clann.”
Paying tribute, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Heartbreaking to hear this news. A brave and beautiful girl. My thoughts are with her parents, family, and all who loved her. Codladh sámh Bláthnaid.”
A notice shared by Bláthnaid’s family said the young girl died peacefully at hospital “surrounded by her loving family.”
The death notice reads: “Ní Mhaoilmheanna Bláthnaid peacefully at hospital surrounded by her loving family 11th February 2026. Beloved Daughter of Pearse and Pádraigín and adored Sister of Duailtín.
“A loving Granddaughter to her Grannys and Grandas and an adored niece to her aunts and uncles. R.I.P. Bláthnaid will be reposing at her home 19 Norfolk Parade from Wednesday evening. House Strictly Private for immediate family until Thursday.
“At the family’s request visitors are welcome each day between 12.00noon – 9.00pm. Funeral arrangements to be confirmed. Deeply regretted by her entire family circle. Family Flowers only. Donations in lieu to Oscars Kids Ireland c/o Healy Brothers Funeral Directors 56 Andersonstown Road Belfast BT11 9AN 028 90309333.”
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