Tributes paid to much-loved teacher and 'outstanding GAA volunteer' after tragic passing
Aisling McGivern, 40, worked as a teacher at St Louis' Grammar School in Kilkeel and was the PRO at St Peter's GAC Warrenpoint
Tributes have poured in for a popular GAA volunteer and much-loved teacher, who passed away on Saturday following a brief illness.
Aisling McGivern, 40, was the Head of Home Economics and Head of Year 13 at St Louis' Grammar School in Kilkeel.
She was also the PRO at St Peter’s GAC Warrenpoint and a member of the Down county Public Relations and Marketing Committee.
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Both Down GAA and Warrenpoint issued statements on social media with St Peter’s suspending all club activities until after Aisling’s funeral on Wednesday.
Down GAA described Aisling as an “outstanding volunteer” while Warrenpoint said she played a central role in every aspect of club life.
“We are saddened to learn of the death of Aisling McGivern, a most valued member of our County Public Relations and Marketing Committee,” the Down GAA statement read.
“Aisling was an outstanding volunteer, a person who made things happen and who, by her commitment to Down GAA, made a difference to the lives of many.
“Indeed only one week ago, Aisling was providing updates for people on X (Twitter) on the Bredagh v Burt Ulster Club Hurling Championship Tie. For this was Aisling, thinking of others and making sure that they were able to follow the game on social media, not just in County Down but in reaching across the globe.
“Aisling was a doer. While some others talked and debated whether something could be done or not, Aisling did it, and it was the wee things that she did that made her the special person that she was.
“It was the text message with words of support, or the simple call to someone to offer help, or just her energy and commitment to the tasks that she undertook. She came from a family who gave great service to club and county.
“To her parents Emmett and Fiona, to her sister Claire and brother Ciaran, and the extended McGivern and Moore Families, we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies at this sad and difficult time on the loss of a daughter and sister who touched the lives of many in all aspects of her life.”
St Peter’s GAC Warrenpoint posted: “The Senior Committee and members of Cumann Pheadair Naofa, Warrenpoint, are deeply saddened at the passing of our dear friend Aisling McGivern.
“Aisling was a longstanding and extremely active member of our Senior Committee, most recently Club PRO. Aisling played a central leadership role in every aspect of club life.
“Coming from a family steeped in the GAA, from a very early age, Aisling played a pivotal role in club affairs. Her input and commitment was enormous, invaluable, and sincerely appreciated by all.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Fiona, Emmett, Claire and Ciarán and the extended McGivern and Moore families at this sad and difficult time. The Club will rally round the family and support them at this time of great sadness. All club activities are suspended until after the funeral.”
St Louis’ Grammar School, Kilkeel added: "Aisling embodied the St Louis spirit, always willing to give of her best for our pupils and our school. She immersed herself in school life and contributed so much to our school both inside the classroom and beyond.
“Aisling worked as a teacher in St Louis, for 16 years and during this time she greatly contributed to school life. As an excellent Head of Department, she ensured the smooth running of all activities and taught and supported countless students. She was also an extremely caring Year Head and was committed to the pastoral care of all St Louis students.
“Aisling was a person who lived life to the full and packed a lot into the short time she was given. Her passing leaves a huge hole in so many hearts as she was a person with so much life to live and so much life to give too.
“The sense of deep loss at her passing will be felt most keenly by her family, her father Emmett Thomas, mother Fiona, sister Claire and brother Ciarán and her niece and nephew Katie-Rose and Donnacha, who she adored.
“We extend our sympathies to them and to Aisling’s extended family, wide circle of friends and our thoughts and prayers are with all our staff and students, past and present, who will mourn Aisling’s loss so deeply.”
Requiem mass for Aisling McGivern will be held on Wednesday, November 13 at 12noon at St Peter's Church in Warrenpoint.
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