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28 Nov 2025
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28 Nov 2025
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Tributes have been pouring in following the tragic and heartbreaking deaths of a young mum and her baby girl.
Aoife and baby Ailbhe Bird (née Oates) were from Ballymulmore, Longwood, Meath and formerly Ferrybank, on the border of Kilkenny and Waterford.
Aoife Bird (née Oates) tragically passed away on November 26 and baby Ailbhe passed away on November 25, following a sudden illness surrounded by heartbroken family at the Regional Hospital, Mullingar.
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Aoife will be 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.
Reposing at her parents' home, 18 St Killian's Place, Ferrybank, X91 CFK8, on Sunday November 30, from 2pm until 6pm with rosary at 5.30pm.
Reposing on Monday, December 1, at her family home Ballymulmore, Longwood, A83 WC89, Co. Meath, from 2pm.
Funeral mass on Tuesday, December 2 at 11am in St Brigid's Church, Boardsmill, Trim, Co. Meath, C15 EV12, which can be viewed online.
Burial afterwards in Clonee Cemetery Longwood.
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Amongst the organisations in Kilkenny paying tribute was Slieverue GAA and Camogie Club who stated that they were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Aoife Oates and her daughter Ailbhe.
"The club would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to our juvenile secretary Emma O'Donovan, Aoife's family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."
Also paying tribute was Ferrybank GAA and Camogie Club who expressed their deep sadness on the tragic passing of Aoife Oates and her baby Ailbhe.
"On behalf of all our players, coaches, members, and supporters, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Aoifes husband Jim Bird, their son Daithí and the Oates/Freeman families at this incredibly difficult time," the club stated.
"The Oates/Freeman families have always been deeply involved in our club as players and loyal supporters, and their loss is felt across the entire Ferrybank GAA community.
"Aoife will be remembered with great fondness, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who mourn her passing."
Heartfelt messages have also been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and fondly remembered the young mum, with one mourner writing, "Sincere condolences to Aoife's husband, her little boy and family on the heartbreaking loss of Aoife and her little baby girl, Ailbhe. I have fond memories of Aoife from primary to secondary school and memories spent in the stables together. Life is so dreadfully cruel when what should be a time of joy. There are no words to express such devastation, loss and heartbreak. Rest in Peace Aoife and baby Ailbhe. You'll always be remembered."
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Another mourner said, "I have no words only that of condolence for Jim, Daithí and to all of the extended family and friends. Taken too soon. May Aoife and baby Ailbhe rest in eternal peace and shine down and guide Jim and Daithí on the road ahead x."
Another heartbroken person wrote, "Our heartfelt sympathy to Peter, Margaret and Tom and baby Daithi and all the Oates and Freeman families on your devastating loss of Aoife and her little baby girl. There are no words. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. May Aoife and her baby girl rest in paradise."
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