'You'll never walk alone' tributes on death of Laois nurse

The Laois community of Mountmellick is in widespread mourning following the death of a local GP nurse and active community member.

Nurse Trish Kelley (née Lawlor) died on Wednesday, January 22 after an illness borne with great courage and dignity, surrounded by her loving family, friends and the staff of Dún Aine (St Vincent's CNU Mountmellick).

The beloved wife of the late Eddy, Trish was deeply loved by her brothers Michael (RIP) John, Dermot, Gerry and sister Doris (Flannery) and by her extended family and friends who she cherished.

Trish worked at Glenard Clinic in Mountmellick, and was an active member of Mountmellick Yarnbombers and Mountmellick Christmas Tree committee and a firm supporter of all local events, as well as her beloved Liverpool Utd FC. She had studied and worked in Liverpool for some years earlier in her career.

Hundreds of tributes and messages of sympathy have flooded in from communities near and far.

Mountmellick Yarnbombers wrote a beautiful tribute.

“We are heartbroken to announce the parting from this world of our dear friend and yarnbomber, Trish

“From the moment our group came together in June 2014, Trish was at the centre of it, bringing warmth and encouragement to what was, at the time, a gathering of mere acquaintances.

“Whether it was a call for the most audacious yarnbomb, or a quiet word of encouragement, Trish always delivered with a smile and an infectious energy that propelled us all forward. One of our most enduring images of Trish is of her practically bouncing with excitement, clapping her hands together, and cracking an invisible whip to spur us into action. We will miss her quick wit and sharp sense of humour. She was wickedly funny!

“Rest easy, dear Trish. You'll always be part of our hearts, our stories, and our yarn-bombing adventures. When we think of you, we will think of this Seamus Heaney line: 'Hope is not optimism, which expects things to turn out well, but something rooted in the conviction that there is good worth working for'. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam."

Mountmellick Christmas Tree Committee said the following (sharing the above photograph of Trish).

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our esteemed committee colleague, Trish Kelley. Trish grew up just a few doors down from the square and was very eager to help with all that goes into the work of the Christmas tree. Her tireless efforts were evident, and her contributions, both large and small, were a testament to her enduring dedication to our goals.