‘You taught us so many lessons’

Tributes paid to the late Liz Cahill, RIP

Staff at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Rochfortbridge have written a beautiful to their late colleague, Liz Cahill, RIP.

"It is hard to put into words how heartbroken our school community is at the loss of Liz Cahill, our beloved colleague, teacher, mentor and friend. Liz was a past pupil of St Joseph’s and a brilliant one at that. It seemed so fitting when she returned to us as a teacher, bringing with her that special energy and zest for school life that she had in abundance.

"Liz loved St Joseph’s. She made it her business to get to know her students and she excelled in the classroom. She was at her happiest in the cut and thrust of the thriving home economics kitchen and her students’ results spoke for themselves.

"She brought that same passion and prowess to the training fields, passing on her supreme talent as a camogie player to those lucky enough to have her coach them.

"In later years, she became a brilliant year head, combining all her many talents to lead and look after her year group, which she did with such accomplishment.

"Along with all of that important school business, Liz brought an extra special something else to the table – her kindness. She looked out for those students who needed extra encouragement and she was the first on hand to help if any of her colleagues needed it.

"Liz was so interested in people and she was a steadfast friend to so many of us, and each of us treasured a different and special relationship with her.

"It brought us all such joy to see her so happy with Denis, the love of her life, along with her beautiful and very much adored little boys Cormac and Donnacha.

"It is so hard to believe that she won’t be physically among us again, but she has left a legacy that will last forever within the walls of St Joseph’s and in the hearts of all of those who were lucky enough to be taught by her and to teach and work alongside her.

"Rest in peace, dearest Lizzie. The person you are to us; your warmth, your sense of fun, your passion and your goodness will always be remembered. You are a part of our history and will remain so forevermore.

"You taught us many lessons that we will continue to pass on to those we teach and work with. We were so lucky to know you, to love you and to have you as part of our community and you will always be one of us."

Raharney Camogie

Raharney Camogie Club also paid a lovely tribute to late Liz.

"We heartbroken with the loss of our dear friend, teammate, mentor, coach, leader, former captain and player Liz Cahill (née Shaw). We are lost and are struggling to express our sadness at this time.

"We are aware that Liz touched so many lives and she had a huge impact on so many people, young and old, near and far. Liz left a mark on everyone’s lives that she came in contact with over the years.

"Liz was such a massive part of our camogie club, having started playing at a young age and continuing up to senior. She slowly gravitated from the number 6 role, to the number 3 and then finally her favourite spot, where she never complained, at number 1.

"Liz showed great pride in her club on winning seven senior camogie titles and topping it off in 2010 as she captained the team to success.

"Liz showed her passion and leadership on the field of play and was also a fantastic mentor, leader and coach to many different age groups. She extended that on to Rochfortbridge secondary school, where she brought her experience and established camogie.

"Liz represented our club also at county level, as a star player and a valued executive committee member, and she had a key role with the Leinster Council.

"There are many different words to describe our Lizzy; she was a funny, kind, passionate, lovable, caring, genuine, honest and gentle person, and she was also known for her epic finger wag and her strong mind, which we came to value and respect.

"Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her undersood the type of person she was and would have cherished her as much as we always will.

"When Liz met Denis, we were almost as overjoyed as she was. Finally, we had someone to help us tame our fabulous Lizzie. All her dreams finally came true when she married the love of her life and became an amazing mother of two beautiful boys, Donnacha and Cormac.

"Knowing that Liz was so happy made it easier to bid farewell to her as she moved away to start the next chapter of her life with her boys.

"We offer our condolences to all of the Shaw and Cahill families during this deeply sad and difficult time. Liz, you will always be remembered in our hearts and we love you and will miss you deeply."

Liz (née Shaw) Ballincor, Shinrone, County Offaly and late of Riverdale, Raharney, died on October 14 last, peacefully, at Milford care centre, Limerick. Predeceased by her father Jack, Liz will be sadly missed by her heartbroken husband Denis, sons Donnacha and Cormac, mother Kathleen and her husband Shay, brothers Brendan, Fergus and John, sisters Treasa and Catherine (McCormack), parents-in-law Dinny and Marion, sisters-in-law Ciara, Maria, Lisa, Stacey and Sarah, brothers-in-law Liam, Diarmuid, Damian and Treasa’s partner Gareth, uncle-in-law Noel, aunt-in-law Una, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, work colleagues from St Joseph’s, Rochfortbridge and all her friends from Raharney Camogie Club.

Sympathy to Cahill and Shaw families

County Committee chairman Frank Mescall paid tribute to the late Liz Cahill, née Shaw, who passed away at a young age last week.

Speaking at the October meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Tuesday last, he noted that Liz hailed from a great sporting family, benign a sister of county secretary Brendan Shaw and former Westmeath hurler John.

She was deeply involved in camogie and hurling especially.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to both the Cahill and Shaw families; that would be the sentiment of all the clubs in Westmeath, I feel,” remarked the chairman.

At the end of the meeting a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Liz Cahill.

Westmeath Camogie

Westmeath Camogie posted a tribute to Liz on their Facebook page: “Westmeath Camogie would like to extend their deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to all the family, friends, and colleagues of Liz Cahill (née Shaw) on her passing.

“We extend our condolences to husband, Denis, sons Donnacha and Cormac, mother Kathleen and her husband Shay, sisters Treasa and Catherine (McCormack), brother’s John, Brendan, and Fergus, brother-in-law Diarmuid Cahill, parents-in-law Dinny and Marion, and all who were fortunate to have known Liz in her lifetime.

“Liz was a shining light in Raharney Camogie and the entire community, while also giving so much time to her club and county both during and after her playing days.

“She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Everybody in Westmeath Camogie would like to acknowledge the amazing work Liz did during her time as Westmeath Camogie integration officer, statistician, vice-chairperson, and chairperson.”