Tributes have been paid to highly respected Letterkenny-based Garda, Rosemarie (Rosie) Rooney.
She died peacefully at Sligo University Hospital on Monday.
A native of Sligo town, the late Ms Rooney was stationed in Letterkenny Garda Station after passing out from the Garda College, Templemore, in 2003.
“We lost someone very special this week – we lost our dear friend and colleague Rosie,” a garda spokesperson said.
Over the years, Rosie made many friends within her workplace but also within Letterkenny town, a place she loved and a place she considered to be her second home.
“It was impossible to be in the same room as Rosie and to feel sad or downhearted as she had the most contagious smile and hearty laugh ever,” the spokesperson added.
“She often had a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and we loved her for that. We will miss that. Rosie included everybody. She spoke to and with everybody. She had a heart of pure gold.
“’Be the reason someone smiles today’. Rosie, you made us all smile. You were the cause of so many smiles everyday.”
A book of condolences will be open for members of the public at Letterkenny Garda Station on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week until 7pm each evening.
Also fond of sport, Rosemarie also coached previously with Letterkenny Gaels GAA. A spokesperson for the club said: “Sympathy is expressed to the family, friends and work colleagues, of the late Rosemarie Rooney RIP formally Sligo and Letterkenny.
“Rosie coached our underage girls teams in the early years of girls football at the Club and she also represented the Gaels in our joint fundraiser with Glenswilly GAA where she was a fierce competitor in the Battle of the Swilly White-Collar Boxing event.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
Beloved daughter of P.J. and Rosaleen, she is also survived by her loving sister, Fiona.
Sadly missed by her heartbroken parents, sister, brother-in-law Greg (Mc Guinness), niece and goddaughter Maggie, uncles, aunts, cousins, work colleagues, relatives and dear friends.
Reposing at the Foley and McGowan Funeral Home, Market Yard, Sligo F91YR61 on Thursday from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.
Funeral will arrive at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo, on Friday morning for requiem mass at 11:30am followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Scarden, Strandhill Road, Sligo. House Strictly private please.
You can stream Rosemarie’s funeral mass by clicking Livestream
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to North West Hospice Sligo c/o The Foley and McGowan Funeral Home. You are welcome to leave a message of condolence for her family on www.RIP.ie
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