Sadness as Miriam loses cancer battle

‘SHE battled to the very end’ – the poignant words of devastated husband Pat Fitzgerald whose wife Miriam sadly lost her battle with cancer on Monday.

The couple’s families had raised over €250k for treatment in a bid to save her life but her death has saddened friends and family of the popular Castleisland woman who is originally from Abbeyfeale.

“We want to thank everyone who supported us,” Pat said.

THE grief-stricken husband of Miriam Joy Fitzgerald, who tragically lost her battle with cancer on Monday afternoon, has paid tribute to her fighting spirit.

“She fought until the end. She never gave up,” the devastated husband said this week.

Miriam, who was originally from Abbeyfeale, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in May 2017 and fought for her life valiantly.

Miriam is married to Pat Fitzgerald. The couple have two young children and live in Castleisland. Earlier this year, the Joy and Fitzgerald families launched a fundraising campaign to help get new treatment in a bid to save her life. The public came to their support, and almost €250,000 was raised for immunotherapy.

However, the treatment did not work, and Miriam lost her life to cancer this week.

“We are all devastated and heartbroken at the loss of Miriam,” he said.

“On behalf of all of us, we appreciate what everyone did for us and the money that was raised. Miriam fought so hard and she passed away on Monday.”

Sympathies have been pouring in for the much-loved mother, wife, daughter and sister. She was a teacher at Dromtrasna National School in Abbeyfeale prior to her illness.

The removal will take place in Castleisland today (Wednesday) and she will be brought to the Church of the Assumption in Abbeyfeale on Thursday before her cremation.

Miriam Joy Fitzgerald who died on Monday.

Patrick Fitzgerald and his wife Miriam pictured at home in Castleisland earlier this year.