Dedicated camogie player Nicole remembered for her beautiful smile

NICOLE Byrne has been remembered for her “beautiful smile” and as a dedicated member of Commercials’ camogie team in Rathcoole after passing away last week at age 21.

The Citywest woman died in Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross last Tuesday, January 9, after being diagnosed last year with a rare form of adrenal cancer that was inoperable and incurable.

In a post on a GoFundMe account that was set up to support Nicole after she received her diagnosis, family friend Sue Monahan confirmed that the young woman had passed away last week.

“To say they are heartbroken is an understatement,” wrote Ms Monahan. “Their family chain is forever broken.

“Nicole and her beautiful smile lit up every room she walked into. She will be loved and missed forever.”

In a Facebook post the day after Nicole passed away, her camogie club Commercials paid tribute to her and expressed their sadness at her passing.

The club wrote: “We are all heartbroken and saddened to hear of the passing of our dear club member and friend Nicole Byrne, who passed away last night following an illness bravely borne, surrounded by her loving family.

“We would like to extend our deepest sympathy, love and support to Dave, Colette, Rachel, Shane, her boyfriend Timi and their extended family and friends.

“We are also thinking of Nicole’s many friends and teammates at this very sad time.

“Nicole was a such a big part of the Commercials camogie team and even though in the last few months, she couldn’t play, she was on the sideline, when she could to support her teammates.

“She was a great friend, always positive, caring, kind, brave and the most amazing smile that would light up a room. A genuine, exceptional young lady!

“She will live forever in our hearts and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all of us here in the club.

“We are all completely heartbroken, there are no words.

“Suaimhneas síoraí d’anam Nicole. Solas na bhflaitheas agus leaba i measc na naingeal duit.”

Nicole passed away surrounded by her loving family and her boyfriend Timi, in the wonderful care of the staff in Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.

She was the beloved and caring daughter of David and Colette and adored sister to Rachel and Shane.

Nicole will be forever loved and very sadly missed by her loving family, dad, mam, sister, brother, boyfriend, Archie (her four-legged best friend), grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, her wide circle of friends and neighbours.

Nicole’s funeral mass was held in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Saggart last Monday, January 15, followed by cremation in Newlands Cross Crematorium.