Tributes have been paid to an "admired and respected" Belfast school teacher who died this week after a short illness.
Sinead Dooher (McHugh) had been a teacher at Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock for the past 28 years, and was an "integral" member of the school community. A funeral notice said Ms Dooher died on Sunday, March 9, following "a short illness which was fought courageously, surrounded by her loving family."
The 52-year-old is survived by her three children, Daíre, Ruairí, and Aoibhe, as well as her husband, Gary. Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock said they are "deeply saddened" to learn of her "untimely death."
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In a statement, the East Belfast school added: "Sinead joined Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock in 1997 and quickly became an integral member of our College community, admired and respected by staff and students alike. She was exceptionally proud to teach in the College, a key member of our English department, committed to getting the very best out of every student, and a loyal supporter of #teamknock.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Sinead's husband Gary, their three children Daíre, Ruairí, and Aoibhe, and her extended family and many friends. Sinead will be very much missed by the students and staff, both former and present, of Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock, and we hold her in our prayers. May she Rest in Peace."
Sinead came from a prominent GAA family in North Tyrone, with Tyrone GAA saying they are "deeply distressed" to learn of her passing. A spokesperson for Tyrone GAA said: "Gaelic Tyrone is deeply distressed to learn of the death of Sinead McHugh (née Dooher), dear sister of our cherished, enduring Club Tyrone Treasurer Roisin (Shanks), and dear daughter of Johnny and Gabrielle, hugely influential generational presences within and across Tyrone GAA.
"Sinead’s cruel illness was taken on resolutely, in the full spirit of a family who contribute so much to what we are and what we try to do. ‘Turas abhaile an bás don té atá cróga | For the brave, death is just going home.’"
Sinead's funeral will take place at St Therese of Lisieux Church in North Belfast on Wednesday, March 12 at 11am. A funeral notice reads: "Died 9th March 2025, after a short illness which was fought courageously, surrounded by her loving family.
"Beloved wife of Gary, loving and devoted mother to Daíre, Ruairí and Aoibhe. Much loved daughter of Johnny and Gabrielle and sister of Grainne, Roisin, Maeve and the late Aodhán. Cherished aunt of Senán, Nessa, Ronan and Nicholas.
"Sinead will be reposing at her late family home, 120 Somerton Road, Belfast. Visitors are welcome Monday 6pm-10pm and Tuesday 12pm-10pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated Wednesday March 12 in St Therese of Lisieux Church, Somerton Road at 11am followed by interment in St Mary’s Cemetery, Cloughcor, County Tyrone.
"Family Flowers only, donations in lieu if so desired to Trócaire c/o O’Kanes Funeral Home 116-118 Donegall Street, BT1 2GX or via www.okanesfunerals.co.uk. Saint Padre Pio pray for her."
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