Widespread shock and sadness at death of Laois teenager

There is widespread shock and sadness in Laois and beyond following the death of a teenage girl at the weekend. 

Emily Ellen Culhane of Boley, Abbeyleix tragically died in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on Sunday, January 5.  

There has been an outpouring of grief online for the 16-year-old who was a Transition Year student in Portlaoise.

Scoil Chríost Rí Portlaoise will have National Educational Psychological Service(NEPS) staff in school on Wednesday to support Emily’s grief stricken school mates. 

“We learned this morning of the death of Emily Culhane after a brief illness. This is a terrible tragedy for the Culhane family, our school, and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Culhane family and Emily's friends. Emily was a Transition Year student and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a great personality and brilliant performer.

We have been in contact with her parents, and they are very appreciative of the kind offers of support from Emily's friends. Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) will be with us Wednesday morning to support everyone affected by this tragedy. Teachers will be helping your daughter with coming to terms with the loss of Emily when they return to school.

May Emily Rest in Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time,” the school stated. 

Elsewhere, Ballyroan Ladies Football Club also paid tribute to Emily in an online post. 

“With great sadness we heard yesterday, of the untimely passing of Emily Culhane after a short illness. 

Emily was a fun loving member of our club and we are thinking of her heartbroken family and friends at this devastating time. Rest in Peace Emily ,” they wrote. 

Cllr John Joe Fennelly said “Abbeyleix is numb. It is very hard to say anything about it.” 

Emily's death notice reads: “Emily Ellen Culhane. The birches lower Boley, Abbeyleix, Co.Laois/Crumlin, Dublin. Died January 5th 2025. Unexpectedly at Beaumont Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved daughter to Sean and Bernie and beloved sister to Sam. Rest in Peace. 

Funeral Arrangements Later.”