The devastated parents of a "wonderful" and "kind" 10-year-old girl have made a touching request in her memory as they prepare for her funeral on Friday. Tragic Grace Mahon died suddenly last weekend, her family announced. The death of the much-loved girl from County Wexford, Ireland, has left the community rocked. She is survived by her heartbroken parents Dave and Kara and older brother Noah, with dozens of emotional tributes paid to her from across the county.
The schoolgirl's cause of death has been announced, but as her family prepare for Grace's funeral at St. Cyprian's Church, her devastated mum and dad have issued a request for attendees. "We will celebrate Grace's life in vivid colour, so no black clothes please," a post read on Grace's death notice.
Shelmalier Ladies Football Club, where the youngster enjoyed playing, said it was "heartbroken" at Grace's passing and stated how the club was "extremely lucky to have known her." A statement read: "All of us in Shelmalier Ladies Football Club are heartbroken to share the tragic and sudden passing of our beautiful 10-year-old club member, Grace Mahon. The entire Shelmalier community is completely devastated. Grace loved being over in Hollymount, surrounded by her teammates and friends. A cherished little girl, who brought such joy to our club. We are extremely lucky to have known her."
"There are simply no words suitable at a time of such devastating loss. To Grace’s dad Dave, her mam Kara and her big brother Noah we are thinking of you, praying for you and sending love to you all. We also wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the extended Mahon and Bannon families. During this unimaginably difficult time, our priority as a club and a community is to support her family, her friends, her young teammates and her coaches. May Grace’s beautiful soul fly high with the angel," the club added.
Grace certainly made her mark during her 10 heartbreakingly short years. Testament to just how special a little girl she was, local sports clubs have posted touching tributes to her on social media over the last few days. "There are no words that can ease the heartbreak of losing such a beautiful young girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her," one well-wisher posted. "May her name never be forgotten, and may her spirit live on in every sliotar struck, every jersey worn, and every young player who follows in her footsteps. Though her time was far too short, the joy, laughter, and kindness she brought to others will remain forever. May she forever be remembered, forever be cherished, and forever be part of the camogie community she loved so much. Rest in peace, little angel," said another.
Meanwhile, a teacher said: "I am so sorry for your loss of the wonderful Grace. Grace was the kindest girl, often looking after younger pupils on the playground. She brought in a beautiful alphabet poster for the pupils in my class, showing her caring nature. The whole school community will miss Grace deeply." Grace's death notice on RIP.ie reads: "Aged 10. Beloved daughter of Dave and Kara. Beloved sister of Noah. Dear granddaughter of Brendan and Marian Mahon and the late Joan and Bill Bannon. Missed terribly by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. May She Rest In Peace." Reposing at her home in Ballybeg, Screen, County Wexford Y21 R120 on Thursday the 4th of June from 4 o'clock to 7 o'clock. Funeral arriving to St. Cyprian's Church, Screen Y21 PC52 on Friday the 5th of June for Funeral Mass at 11 o'clock, followed by celebration of life and cremation service at 1.30pm in Mackens Funeral Home, Distillery Road, Wexford Y35 HP29. "We will celebrate Grace's life in vivid colour, so no black clothes please. No flowers please donations if desired to Wexford SPCA to reflect Grace's love of animals," the notice added.
