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06 Sept 2025

RIP: Great sadness in a Tipperary national school after the untimely passing of popular teacher

Boher National School penned a heartfelt tribute after the passing of teacher

RIP: Great sadness in a Tipperary national school after the untimely passing of popular teacher

Boher National School in Tipperary took to social media earlier this week to pay tribute to a popular staff member, Niamh Heffernan, who passed away sadly.

Living in Clonoulty Hill, Cashel, and formerly of Gortmore, Ballywilliam, Nenagh, the respected educator passed away peacefully on March 17th, surrounded by her family in the loving care of the staff at Milford Care Centre, Limerick.

Mrs Heffernan worked at Boher National School for almost 20 years and was a popular and well-respected teacher in the school, and they took to their Facebook account earlier this week to pay tribute to their friend and colleague.

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"It is with broken hearts that we say goodbye to our dear friend and colleague, Niamh.
"Ever since starting in Boher N.S almost 20 years ago, she has been the heart and soul of our school, bringing laughter, kindness, and an unstoppable energy that touched every student, staff member and parent she met.
"As a teacher, she poured her heart into her work, always putting the children first. She celebrated their successes, beaming with pride at every milestone, big or small. Her love for her students was endless, and she believed in each and every one of them, inspiring them to be their very best.
"Niamh’s passion for sport, particularly hurling and camogie, was unmatched. She was the driving force behind so many school teams, instilling a love for the game in generations of young players. She coached not just skills but also teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship—lessons that her students will carry for life.
"And when the school day was done, she was just as dedicated to keeping spirits high among her colleagues! Many a great night out was down to Niamh’s expert planning, always ensuring fun, laughter, and lots of stories to tell at the staffroom table.
"Beyond the school, Niamh gave so much to the wider Boher community, not least through her work with Boher Community Development Group. She was always at the heart of local projects, working tirelessly and selflessly to make Boher a better place for everyone.
"Her commitment to community spirit and togetherness was huge, and her impact will be felt for years to come.
"We are devastated by this loss, but we take comfort in knowing that Niamh’s legacy lives on in every lesson taught, every match played, every staff gathering and every child who walks through our doors. Her spirit will always be part of our school, and we will honour her memory in everything we do.
"As we say goodbye to Niamh, our hearts are with her beloved family, to whom she was so deeply devoted. Her love for you all was evident in everything she did and in every story she shared.
"To her husband John, who brought her one of the happiest days of her life when they married, we send our deepest sympathies. And to little Ailbhe, and to each one of you, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers now and always.
"Slán i measc na n-aingeal, Niamh".

Deeply regretted by her loving husband John and their beautiful daughter Ailbhe, her parents John and Geraldine, her sisters Edel (Groome) and Marie-Therese (Nagle), her brothers Patrick and Eoin, Father-in-law Thomas, Mother-in-law Mary, Sisters in law Mags, Isobel, Sheila and Mary-Ita, Brothers in law Henry, James, Mitchel and Nollaig, Nieces Grace and Joanne, Nephews Jack and Padraig, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Staff of Boher National School, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

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