The heartbroken parents of a young girl who tragically died last month have made a special request for her funeral. Grace Mahon, aged 10, from Co. Wexford, Ireland, passed away on Saturday, May 30. She is survived by her loving parents Dave and Kara, and her older brother Noah.
Her local community has been left reeling by the heartbreaking tragedy, with touching tributes flooding social media, including from the football club she played with, Shelmalier Ladies Football Club. Her parents are now preparing for Grace's funeral at St. Cyprian's Church, Screen, on Friday morning and have issued a request for attendees.
"We will celebrate Grace's life in vivid colour, so no black clothes please," reads the request on Grace's death notice on RIP.ie. They have also asked for people to donate to a local animal charity instead of purchasing flowers.
Tributes from the Community
Grace certainly made her mark during her 10 heartbreakingly short years. Testament to just how special a little girl she was, local sports clubs have posted touching tributes to her on social media over the last few days. Shelmalier Ladies Football Club, Co. Wexford, said it was "heartbroken" at Grace's passing and stated how the club was "extremely lucky to have known her."
"All of us in Shelmalier Ladies Football Club are heartbroken to share the tragic and sudden passing of our beautiful 10 year old club member, Grace Mahon. The entire Shelmalier community is completely devastated. Grace loved being over in Hollymount, surrounded by her teammates and friends. A cherished little girl, who brought such joy to our club. We are extremely lucky to have known her," the club said.
"There are simply no words suitable at a time of such devastating loss. To Grace’s dad Dave, her mam Kara and her big brother Noah we are thinking of you, praying for you and sending love to you all. We also wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the extended Mahon and Bannon families. During this unimaginably difficult time, our priority as a club and a community is to support her family, her friends, her young teammates and her coaches. May Grace’s beautiful soul fly high with the angel," the club added.
As the heartbreaking news of Grace's passing was confirmed, friends, family members, and complete strangers offered their condolences. One person said: "There are no words that can ease the heartbreak of losing such a beautiful young girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. May her name never be forgotten, and may her spirit live on in every sliotar struck, every jersey worn, and every young player who follows in her footsteps. Though her time was far too short, the joy, laughter, and kindness she brought to others will remain forever."
A teacher shared: "I am so sorry for your loss of the wonderful Grace. Grace was the kindest girl, often looking after younger pupils on the playground. She brought in a beautiful alphabet poster for the pupils in my class, showing her caring nature. The whole school community will miss Grace deeply."
A third person wrote: "I am heartbroken to hear the news of Grace's passing. What a beautiful bundle of joy she was, and a privilege to have known. Always bursting with creativity and ideas. Thinking of all her family and friends at this sad time. Sending strength and love."
Funeral Arrangements
Grace's death notice on RIP.ie reads: "Aged 10. Beloved daughter of Dave and Kara. Beloved sister of Noah. Dear granddaughter of Brendan and Marian Mahon and the late Joan and Bill Bannon. Missed terribly by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. May She Rest In Peace."
Reposing will take place at her home in Ballybeg, Screen, County Wexford Y21 R120 on Thursday, June 4, from 4 o'clock to 7 o'clock. The funeral will arrive at St. Cyprian's Church, Screen Y21 PC52 on Friday, June 5, for Funeral Mass at 11 o'clock, which can be joined online through a provided link. This will be followed by a celebration of life and cremation service at 1.30pm in Mackens Funeral Home, Distillery Road, Wexford Y35 HP29, also available online. The family requests: "We will celebrate Grace's life in vivid colour, so no black clothes please. No flowers please, donations if desired to Wexford SPCA to reflect Grace's love of animals."
