The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘Keep Emma in your hearts and minds’
FAMILY PAYS HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO EMMA MHIC MHATHÚNA, AND THANKS THE PUBLIC FOR SUPPORT IN THE YEAR SINCE HER PASSING
THE family of the late Emma Mhic Mhathúna has urged the public to keep her and her valiant campaign in their hearts and minds, as the weekend marked a year on from her passing.
The mother-of-five, who lived in Baile na nGall in the months leading up to her death, died aged 37 on October 7, 2018, having been diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in 2016.
She was one of hundreds of women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal, and a hardfought legal battle saw her secure a €7.5m settlement after suing the HSE and a US laboratory used by CervicalCheck.
Her valiant and vocal campaign to draw attention to the scandal captured the public’s imaginations in the run-up to her death.
Funeral Masses took place in Séipéal na Carraige and Saint Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Dublin, before she was laid to rest in Maynooth, County Kildare.
A Mass will take place at Séipéal na Carraige at 11.15am on Sunday to mark the anniversary of her passing. Some friends and family took part in an event in her memory in Baile na nGall last weekend, which included private prayers and the laying of flowers at the pier.
In a statement issued on behalf of her five children; her father Peter Duffy; and other family members, her passing was described as being like a bright light in their lives being extinguished.
“Her pain and suffering was thankfully at an end as she was re-united with her Mam [Annette]” the statement issued to The Kerryman read.
“Five wonderful children tragically lost their Mam at such a tender age in circumstances that are too difficult to contemplate, not to mention understand.”
The statement thanked the wider public and those close to her for their support over the past year, and the family also urged the public to “be proud of the fact you contributed to ensuring that Emma’s extraordinary life and death were celebrated in such a special way and that, hopefully, something positive will come from her journey and her passing.
“Emma would have wanted us, her family, to thank you, the media, again for the portrayal of her story and for all the friendship and support showed to her on her journey through illness.
“Finally, but most particularly, we would ask that you keep Emma...in your hearts and minds today, to remember her fondly, and her children as they re-build their lives without their beloved Mam.
“Emma was a strong and courageous lady, and will be remembered as such,” the family’s statement concluded.