The sudden death of Olivia O’Shea from Portmagee has left her family, friends and community heartbroken
A close-knit community in Co Kerry has been left devastated following the unexpected death of a young woman who “made such a difference to so many lives in the most positive of ways.”
Olivia O’Shea, from Kilkeveragh in Portmagee, died “suddenly and peacefully in University Hospital Kerry, surrounded by her loving family,” a death notice posted on RIP.ie stated.
She will be deeply mourned by her devoted parents, mother Marion, father Gerard, sister Ailish, brothers Ronan and Aaron, their partners Christopher, Rachel and Aisling, and all her aunties, uncles and cousins from the O’Shea and O’Driscoll Family, along with her countless friends.
Olivia was a passionate GAA supporter who participated in various sports within her local area. She was raised near Cnuicín Rowing Club, who expressed they “are numbed with grief” after her passing.
“A dark cloud has cast shadow over our entire Community in Cnuicín, Portmagee and the whole of south Kerry this week,” they said, reports the Irish Mirror.
“Since the devastating news broke on Wednesday morning that Our dear Olivia had gone to her heavenly home we are numbed with grief.
“Olivia’s family home is a stones throw from our Clubhouse in Cnuicín Pier and her family members have always been a big part of Cnuicín Rowing Club . Olivia loved Cnuicín and spent many happy Summers on Cnuicín Pier swimming with her family and friends and was always present and helping out with the Christmas Day Swim.
“Olivia was loved by everyone in the Community and beyond. Her beaming smile radiated the love and affection she had for her family, her neighbours and her many dear friends.
“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Olivia’s parents Marion and Ger, her sister Ailish, Brothers Ronan and Aaron and her Aunts, Uncles and cousins from the O’ Shea and O’ Driscoll families, her neighbours and many friends.
“We will always love and remember you Olivia in Cnuicín. Rest in peace.”
Olivia represented Skellig Rangers in Portmagee at football up to U12 level and was also a member of Southern Gaels Ladies Football Club, who posted a tribute online stating: “All at Southern Gaels wish to extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Marion, Ger, Ailish, Ronan and Aaron O’Shea, the extended O’Driscoll and O’Shea families, and all of Olivia’s friends on her untimely passing.
“Olivia was a member of our Mothers and Others team, and she will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
During many summers, Olivia worked in the kitchen at Fisherman’s Bar in Portmagee Village, where staff paid tribute to their former colleague on social media.
“It was with great shock and sadness that we heard of our former colleague and dear friend Olivia O’Shea’s sudden passing on Wednesday morning,” they said. “Olivia worked with us during the summers in the kitchen and brought so much joy and fun to the workplace.
“She had a warm, bubbly personality and a constant smile. The working day went that bit quicker with her quick wit, good company and never taking anything too serious. We are incredibly lucky to have shared many moments of laughter and memories that will last us forever.
“Thank you Olivia for the many fond memories. We will always remember you. May your gentle and beautiful soul Rest in Peace.”
The unexpected passing of Olivia has devastated her family, friends and local community, with mourners paying emotional tribute to the much-loved young woman.
One close friend wrote: “My Deepest condolences to Marion, Ger, Ailish, Ronan, Aaron, all the extended O’ Shea and Driscoll families and all of Olivia’s dear friends at this heartbreaking time. Olivia was one of a kind, a beautiful girl, who was a pleasure to get to know when in college in Cork. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time. May Olivia’s beautiful soul rest in peace.”
Another person shared: “Deepest sympathy to Olivia’s Family, to Sally and the extended family on your immense loss. I am truly sorry for the pain and utter devastation that is now your world.
“Your Olivia was a truly special lady, full of joy, laughter, energy and goodness, she was one of this world’s special people who brought smiles to every company she graced and made such a difference to so many lives in the most positive of ways. Her reach is now extended to her Heavenly family, may it embrace her gentle soul and surround her with the love she truly deserves.
“Thinking of you all and praying peace may fill your hearts.”
Those wishing to pay their respects have been welcomed to a celebration of Olivia’s life, taking place at her home on Sunday at 12pm, with a procession afterwards to Portmagee cemetery.
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