The local community has been left devastated by the tragic news, with one person asking: “How much heartache can one family endure?”
Tommy Duggan(Image: )
A close-knit community in Co Mayo is in mourning following the sudden death of a ‘devoted husband and dad’ who faced unimaginable tragedy with ‘boundless positivity and kindness’.
Tommy Duggan, from Bekan in Claremorris, passed away suddenly earlier this month, leaving his family and friends devastated.
Tommy’s sudden death comes just month after his three-year-old daughter Saoirse passed away following a brave battle with cancer.
The tragic youngster passed away in June as a result of a battling leukemia, just a few short months after she was made an honorary garda by the Little Blue Heroes foundation – a charity operated entirely by volunteers made up of Garda members and staff.
Little Blue Heroes arranged a special day for Saoirse and her family in March, with Community Garda John Monaghan presenting the youngster with her new Honorary Garda uniform.
Gardai in Mayo paid tribute to Saoirse in a poignant message shared on social media following her death, reports the Irish Mirror.
“Our hearts are saddened to hear that one of our Little Blue Heroes in Mayo, Honorary Garda Saoirse Duggan passed away peacefully after a long illness so bravely borne, leaving behind her devastated parents Tommy and Martina and sister Éabha,” they said in a post shared on the Mayo An Garda Siochana Facebook pace
“Her laughter, spirit, and her gentle soul touched everyone who knew her. Saoirse’s time with us was far too short, but her impact was immeasurable.”
Less than two months after Saoirse passed away, the Duggan family were faced with another tragedy after their one-year-old Éabha was diagnosed with the same rare genetic condition that her sister died from.
The toddler needs a lifesaving bone marrow transplant, with the family travelling to the Dutch city of Utrecht over the festive period so Éabha could undergo tests ahead of the operation.
Over the past year, the Duggan family have been supported by Irish charity Oscar’s Kids, which helps support children in Ireland with the most serious cancer diagnoses. The charity have paid a touch tribute to Tommy following the devastating news of his death.
“We are so deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of devoted husband and Dad Tommy Duggan who was one of our Oscar’s Kids parents,” they said.
Saoirse Duggan was made an honorary garda in March(Image: )
“We were honoured to support his adored 3 year old daughter Saoirse until her death last year and then try to continue to support the family when their other beautiful daughter Éabha, just weeks after Saoirse’s passing, was discovered to have the same genetic condition as her sister’s that led to cancer.
“The family were in the Netherlands for a bone marrow transplant over Christmas and we were hoping to do something nice for them on their return.
“We send our deepest condolences and strength to Martina and little Éabha and to all Tommy’s family and friends. We hope the deep love of this devoted family will shine ever the brighter in the face of such a terrible tragedy.”
The post was met with an outpouring of support from a number of heartbroken parents, with one person writing: “How much heartache can one family endure? Thinking of his family at this awful time and sending strength to his wife Martina xxx.”
Another person added: “Devastating news. I met Tommy and Martina over here in the princess maxima hospital on multiple occasions since they arrived in August, my daughter is here going through the same treatment as Èabha, two lovely people , shocked to hear this today . My thoughts are with Martina , baby Èabha and the whole family. Rest in peace Tommy thanks for the chats the last few months.”
While a third person said: “So shocked to see this, Tommy was an absolute gent and so cheery and positive, had many a chat in the parents kitchen in Johns, devastating on his poor wife and daughter to have lost Saoirse now Tommy and going through treatment with Eabha. Martina my prayers are with you and Eabha and your family absolutely heartbreaking. RIP Tommy I hope you and Saoirse are having the biggest cuddle.”
Tommy’s sister Corina also posted a touching tribute to her brother online. “Utterly heartbroken at the sudden passing of my dear brother, Tommy,” she wrote.
“He was the gentlest, kindest and funniest person in addition to being a great brother. We will miss him everyday of our lives. Tommy is with his daughter, Saoirse again, may his gentle soul rest in peace.”
A death notice shared by Tommy’s family RIP.ie states: “We are heartbroken to announce the death of Tommy Duggan, Spotfield Bekan Claremorris, beloved husband of Martina and devoted father to Éabha and Saoirse.
“Tommy was predeceased by his precious daughter Saoirse, whose loss he bore with immense love and strength. They will now be forever together in heaven.
“Tommy will be forever loved and deeply missed by his heartbroken wife and daughter, his sorrowing parents Jim and Bridie (Heneghan), sister Corina, brother Paul, parents-in-law Pat and Rose O’Brien, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and his wide circle of friends.”
The notice added: “A man of boundless positivity and kindness, Tommy’s light will live on in all who knew and loved him.
“The family wish to sincerely thank the emergency services and all medical and healthcare staff for their care and compassion.”
Tommy’s funeral mass will be held at Bekan Church on Sunday afternoon with burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
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