Tributes have been pouring in for Irish rower Ailish Sheehan following her death at the age of 23.
Ailish won a bronze medal in the FISU World University Rowing Championship in Poznan last Saturday. While celebrating the result, she slipped and fell on the footpath, suffering major head injuries.
She was rushed to hospital via ambulance and was placed on a life support machine. It was confirmed today she died from those injuries. She passed away today surrounded by her family.
Born in Limerick, she was a former member of St. Michael's Rowing Club. The Mayor of the City Kieran O'Hanlon said that the Irish flag would be lowered to half mast outside City and county council office's at Merchant's Quay.
President Michael D Higgins released a statement on behalf of the Irish people.
It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Ailish Sheehan.
A talented rower and student of design, her loss will be felt acutely by her team mates and colleagues. This is a cruel blow for all those who were so were impressed by her rowing success. As President of Ireland, I would like to extend my sympathy to her family, colleagues and friends
Tributes have poured in following this heartbreaking news.
Irish Olympic finalist Sinead Jennings rowed with Ailish and spoke to the Irish Independent.
"It's absolutely awful. I rowed with Ailish in 2013 when we won senior (pairs) together. She is an amazing girl. She was so bright and full of energy. I think we are all in shock," she said.
Heartbreaking news!! Thoughts are with Ailish's family. A great loss to Limerick and to Sport.... https://t.co/ABbG42uOW7
— Maurice Quinlivan TD (@QuinlivanTD) September 9, 2016
So sad to hear the news of Ailish Sheehan's passing after an accident in Poland, tragic for someone so younghttps://t.co/nwosF0pMtM
— Grace O'Sullivan (@SenGraceOSllvn) September 9, 2016
There are no words to describe how awful and heartbreaking this is. RIP and God help her family. https://t.co/YvKj2brHek
— Paula Ní C ن (@FentonMueller) September 9, 2016
A tragedy. No certainties in life
Irish rower Ailish Sheehan 'has passed away in hospital surrounded by her family' https://t.co/F74PU2qbEO
— Donal Power (@The_Paor) September 9, 2016
Completely heartbroken for Ailish Sheehan's family. Her father taught me for six years. Absolutely brilliant, kind man.
— Andrew Cunneen (@Cunneen92) September 9, 2016
Tragic passing of bright #Limerick rower Ailish Sheehan, too young and too sad
— Frankie Mulqueen (@FrankMulqueen) September 9, 2016
Awful to hear, life is so fragile, Irish rower Ailish Sheehan 'has passed away in hospital surrounded by her family' https://t.co/wqmSsBccKt
— Patrick Hurley (@patrickjhurley) September 9, 2016
Tragic news about the passing of young Limerick oarswoman Ailish Sheehan. Sympathies to her family & friends.
— Liam O'Sullivan (@LiamoLK73) September 9, 2016
So sad to hear the news of Ailish Sheehan passing. Thinking of all her family and friends.
— Sarah Mc Sweeney (@SarahMcSweeneyx) September 9, 2016
Such sad news. Limerick rower Ailish Sheehan (23) dies in Poznan. RIP
via @IrishTimeshttps://t.co/ORl5pCgjVd— Anthea McTeirnan (@amcteirnan) September 9, 2016
Rowing Ireland and the British Rowing released a statement on her death.
Rowing Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Ailish Sheehan. Ailish, a postgraduate student at Goldsmiths, University of London representing the University of London Boat Club, was involved in an accident after the culmination of the 2016 FISU World University Championships for Rowing in Poznan, Poland on Sunday evening.
BUCS, British Rowing and Rowing Ireland are providing support to her family during this difficult time and ask for their privacy to be respected.
British Rowing and the wider rowing family sends their heartfelt condolences to Ailish’s family and friends at this tragic time.
On behalf of everyone at Rowing Ireland, we wish to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Ailish and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
