Tributes pour in as Longford prepares to bid farewell to one of its ‘sweetest angels’

Heartbreaking tributes have flooded social media since much loved Longford woman Ciara McKenna died suddenly at her home on Sunday.

The 20-year-old former Scoil Mhuire student was a hugely popular member of staff at Longford restaurant Take Two.

The local eatery remained closed on Monday by way of a mark of respect to its “cherished” member of staff.

That post drew a huge reaction on Facebook and various other social media platforms with many paying testimony to Ciara's captivating personality and effervescent identity.

“Absolutely heartbreaking,” wrote one person.

“ Ciara was such a beautiful girl, always smiling and so friendly. So, so sad to hear of her passing.”

Another told of how the restaurant in which she graced on an almost daily basis would be all the poorer without her presence.

“Our little Take Two family is heartbroken and will never be the same, I have no words,” read another touching tribute.

In the midst of those heart-wrenching messages, tomorrow (Thursday) promises to be every bit as poignant as Ciara's funeral is held in St Mel's Cathedral at 11am.

Prior to that, Ciara will be reposing in Connell's Funeral Home, Church St, Longford this evening (Wednesday) from 6pm concluding with prayers at 8pm.

In a bid to illustrate her fun-loving attitude and zest for life, her family have asked mourners intent on attending her funeral to wear bright colours in remembrance of her “bright and bubbly” nature.

A notice on RIP.ie read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of our beloved daughter and sister Ciara McKenna, in her home on Sunday 10th September 2023. Predeceased by her aunt Deirdre, her grandparents Finbar and Nancy / Patrick and Mary-Jo.

“Ciara will be sadly missed by her heartbroken family, parents Fiona and Seamus, sister Anna, brothers Andrew and Mark, aunts and uncles, her darling niece Caitlin, cousins neighbours and her many good friends.