Tributes pour in for talented young sportswoman who passed away this week

Tributes have poured in for a popular young woman from Mullingar who died earlier this week.

Kelly Nagle from Ballinea passed away on Tuesday after a long illness borne with great dignity, courage and spirit.

A talented sportswoman, Kelly was a valued member of the Milltown Ladies football team, the reigning county champions, and played for numerous underage Westmeath teams. She also played rugby with Mullingar Rugby Club and with the Athlone-based Buccaneers RFC, for whom her brother Jenson has also played.

Kelly was a past pupil of St Colman's NS and Loreto Collego. Loreto posted a heartfelt tribute to her on social media, describing her as a “highly respected student”.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that our school community acknowledges the untimely death of Kelly Nagle, Leaving Certificate Class of 2021, after an illness.

“She is admirably remembered by all of the teachers and staff members in our school, all extremely saddened by the news of her passing. Kelly’s years in our school were marked by her quiet way but most of all her love for the sports in our school and her good humour.

“It was a privilege to have Kelly as a member of our school community and she will always remain a part of our Loreto family. We pray that, in time, the gratitude we have in knowing Kelly will help to displace the grief that is felt at her loss.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Kelly's family and friends, in particular her twin sister Danagh, at this time.”

Milltown Ladies paid tribute to their former team mate on Facebook, saying: “Kelly and her loving sister Dánagh have been part of our football family for many years and this news has filled our hearts with sadness.

“We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to her parents Derek & Natasha, her brothers Alan, Jensen and Caleb, her sister Dánagh, and all her family & friends.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.”

Westmeath Ladies paid tribute to Kelly and offered condolences to her family.

“Kelly represented Westmeath on numerous underage teams and her untimely death has been felt throughout the LGFA community. As a mark of respect we would ask any clubs attending her funeral to wear their club colours.”

Mullingar Rugby Club also paid tribute to Kelly and asked any members attending her funeral to wear their club colours.

Kelly will be sadly missed and forever remembered by her heartbroken parents Derek and Natasha, her dear brothers Alan, Jenson, Caleb and her loving twin sister Dánagh, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and her wide circle of friends and especially her sporting friends.

Reposing at Gilsenans Funeral Home from 4pm today, Thursday, and concluding with prayers at 6pm. Kelly's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 12pm in the Church of the Assumption, Loughnavalley, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.