Irish rugby player who died after breast cancer battle leaves emotional message

TRIBUTES have been paid to a rugby player who died following a battle with breast cancer.

Niamh Farrelly, who starred for Clondalkin Rugby Club, was cremated today after passing away on Saturday.

The 33-year-old mum-of-one had been diagnosed with breast cancer last July.

But despite her illness, sports-loving Niamh remained an active supporter of Clondalkin RFC along with her partner and fellow rugby  club member Kevin and their young child Freya.

In her death notice, Niamh shared a final message to the club that had been such a big part of her life.

She wrote: “To my Clondalkin Rugby Football Club family, you mean the world and more to Kev, Freya and I.

“You loved us for us and gave us a second home. We gave the jersey everything we have, and you gave far more in return. Love, Niamh.”

A celebration of Niamh’s life was held at 10am in the Victorian Chapel at Mount Jerome Crematorium followed by cremation.

A special memorial event was also held tonight at Clondalkin Rugby Club, with the west Dublin outfit hailing Niamh as “the most dedicated of players”.

During over 10 years of service to Clondalkin Rugby Club, stalwart Niamh was named captain, won Player of the Year, and was named at scrum-half for two Teams of the Decade.

Clondalkin RFC said: “The effort that she put into training and making sure everyone was working hard was unmatched.

‘Never far from the sidelines’

“Her commitment to all things Clon was easy to see as she was never far from the sidelines to cheer on her partner Kev or the women’s team.

“When Niamh had Freya, she took a month or two off and was soon back on the pitch. Having a baby wasn’t going to stop her playing.

“This brought a new generation of support to the women’s game as Kev and Freya were always on the side to cheer and support Niamh.

“Throughout Niamh’s illness, she was still an active supporter of the club and was on the sideline for many games supporting Kev and the women’s team.

‘Her smile was always there to greet you’

“In this time, Niamh remained the strong woman that we all knew and loved. She continued to offer support to all her friends and had a kind word for everyone.

“Her smile was always there to greet you.

“Kevin and Niamh, together with Freya, were a constant support for the club.”