On what should have been her 38th birthday today, Roisin Molloy has been remembered for the incredible impact she had on all those fortunate to encounter her.
The Co Armagh woman, who was diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer less than three years ago, was someone who was always looking out for others.
As a loving daughter or sister, or as a caring neighbour or friend to so many, her funeral heard that she had an infectious smile and a “gigantic heart filled with love”.
The fourth in a family of 10 siblings, Roisin was born and lived her whole life in the community of Keady, a place she dearly loved.
After St Clare’s PS and St Patrick’s High School she entered the world of work, where she found her home in Newry-based Kukoon Rugs, serving in a range of roles including head of customer care.
Confident, outgoing and independent, she had a wonderful way with people and made an instant impact on those she met on business trips around the world.
Her flair for organisation also saw her fulfil the role of ‘CEO’ for her large family, organising gatherings and always there if someone needed a listening ear or helping hand.
Roisin was a talented Gaelic footballer in her youth, captaining the first female football team for Keady Michael Dwyers GFC and winning player of the year that season.
And although injury prevented her continuing her playing career, she remained closely involved with the club as a coach and committee member, and was among the proudest of Armagh fans in Croke Park to see her beloved Orchard county win their second All-Ireland senior title this year.
The Sam Maguire Cup also made a visit to the family home in recent weeks, and an Armagh jersey was brought to the altar during her funeral.
Roisin had enjoyed good health until her shock diagnosis with Anaplastic Ependymoma in November 2021.
Having felt some discomfort in an arm and in her feet, and experiencing tiredness and some weight loss, she was admitted to hospital and received the devastating news that she had an incurable form of cancer in her spine.
She underwent punishing rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to try to contain the disease and, ever determined and positive, researched alternative therapies and medicines that might hold out hope.
Earlier this year her family launched a fundraising appeal to help bring her for treatment to a cancer centre in Mexico.
Roisin had tickets booked but sadly lost her brave battle on September 6, passing away in the presence of her loving family.
More than £53,000 raised by the appeal will now be distributed to charities that can help others.
At her funeral in St Patrick’s Church, Keady, a moving tribute from a close friend recalled Roisin’s “golden hair, your big, bright eyes, your gigantic heart filled with love, your infectious smile, with your witty laugh”.
“An inspiration, filled with courage and joy, Roisin we are all in awe of you; your courage and bravery will live through us all every day.”
The large crowd in attendance demonstrated that the sentiment was shared by all who had the fortune to know her.
Roisin Molloy is survived and sadly missed by her parents Kate and Michael, stepfather Ian and siblings Katrina, Nora, Paula, Sarah, Brian, Barry, Aimee, Jack and Eve.