Tributes have poured in for the ‘kindest person’ (UK & Ireland News)
16:41, 30 Nov 2025Updated 17:26, 30 Nov 2025
Aoife Bird ‘was the kindest, most caring, funniest person’
Tributes have been paid to a mum who died the day after her newborn baby. Aoife Bird died on Wednesday (November 26) due to a sudden illness, just one day after the death of her daughter, Ailbhe.
The teacher and mum-of-two Aoife, originally from Waterford, was a Spanish, business and SEN teacher at Ashbourne Community School in Ashbourne, Co Meath, reports the Irish Mirror.
A death notice posted on RIP.ie said: “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Aoife Bird (née Oates) on the 26th November and baby Ailbhe who passed away on the 25th November, of Ballymulmore, Longwood, Co Meath and formerly of 18 St Killian’s Place, Ferrybank, Waterford following a sudden illness surrounded by her heartbroken family at the Regional Hospital Mullingar.
“Sadly missed by her loving husband Jim and baby boy Daithí, her devastated parents Peter and Margaret, sisters Siobhan, Aisling and Róisín and brother Shane, mother-in-law Veronica, grandparents Micheal and Kathleen, brothers-in-law Ryan, Jack, Charley and Lee, nephews and nieces Beth, Anna, Tadhg and Rory, aunts, uncles and all the wider Bird, Oates and Freeman families plus all Aoife’s many heartbroken friends and colleagues in Ashbourne Community School.”
In a statement on Wednesday, Ashbourne Community School (ACS) said: “It is with profound sadness that we share this message with you. Today, we have received the sad news of the sudden death of our esteemed colleague, friend and Spanish, Business and SEN teacher Ms. Aoife Oates and her daughter Ailbhe. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aoife’s husband Jim and the extended family. We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief. May their gentle souls Rest in Peace.”
One former student said: “Sincere condolences to Ms Oates’ husband Jim and her family on the loss of Aoife and baby Ailbhe. I was lucky to have her as my teacher in my time in ACS. She was the kindest, most caring, funniest person. She was a huge part of my time in ACS. I will be forever grateful for all the memories I have with her. She was one of a kind. She was more than just a teacher to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Rest Easy Ms Oates, Que en Paz Descansen Ms Oates y Ailbhe.”
Another past pupil shared: “Deepest condolences to the Oates and Bird families. Aoife was an amazing teacher and made my time at ACS even better with all the fun and craic we had in her class together. I will always cherish those memories. May Aoife and Ailbhe rest in peace.”
A staff member at the school added: “I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I got to know Aoife during my time teaching in Ashbourne Community School, and she was truly a ray of sunshine. Her smile, sense of fun and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Thinking of Jim, baby Daithí and all of Aoife’s family and friends who loved her so much during this incredibly difficult time.”
Aoife’s husband Jim works at Scoil Mhuire secondary school in Trim, Co Meath, which also posted a tribute to the young mum and her daughter on the school’s website.
A Scoil Mhuire spokesperson said: “It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Aoife and her newborn baby Ailbhe, beloved wife and daughter of our teacher Mr Jim Bird. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and his mother Veronica Bird, our school secretary. We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief. May their gentle souls Rest in Peace.”
Aoife was actively engaged with the local GAA club, Boardsmill GAA, which has extended its sympathies to the Bird family.
“It is with deep sadness and shock that we inform you of the untimely passing of Aoife Bird (neé Oates) and her newborn baby girl Ailbhe, beloved wife and daughter of Jim Bird,” the club said in a statement. “The Bird family are very much involved in our Club with Aoife, Assistant Secretary of the Camogie and Jim, our Club PRO, manager of underage teams and player for Boardsmill GAA.
“Jim’s brothers; Jack, also a player, Charley a former player, not to mention, Jim’s mother Veronica, who was instrumental in the running of our Road Hurling for years and also involved in helping to put together our recently published History Book.
“We extend our sincere condolences and offer our prayers to their families and friends at this very difficult time. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí orthu.”
