A GAA club has led the tributes to a popular young teacher from Co Cork who passed away at the weekend following a brave battle with illness.

Christine O'Brien, from Glanmire, passed away peacefully on Sunday surrounded by her loving family in the care of the staff at Marymount Hospice, Cork.

Christine was a teacher at St. Mary’s High School in Midleton and also a talented GAA player who represented Glanmire Ladies Football Club, with the club posting a heartfelt tribute on their Facebook page.

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"It is with a heavy heart and sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our players, Christine O’Brien," they said.

"Christine has been a member of our club for many years and was part of our current Junior squad. Her bright smile will be sorely missed by all.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann, Terry, Tadhg, Austin and the extended O’ Brien family at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis."

The social media post was soon flooded with tributes from Christine's teammates and coaches, with one person writing: "Had the privilege of Coaching Christine for the last number of years with Glanmire Ladies Football Club. She was a lovely genuine young lady, who was an inspiration to all of us. Christine was also an unbelievable role model to all the younger ladies, who really looked up to her."

Another person added: "This is truly so sad. Christine was a beautiful, talented and fabulous young lady. She was a wonderful credit to her family. My sincere sympathies go out to her family and teammates at this very difficult time. May she rest in peace."

While a third said: "I am so sorry to hear of Christine's passing. I remember her as such a lovely girl and a great teammate. My sincere sympathies to all who knew her and will mourn her. May Christine's gentle soul rest in eternal peace."

A number of Glanmire players highlighted Christine's kindness in welcoming them to the team, with one person saying: "Sending condolences to Christines close friends and family. When I first started playing with the junior team and knew no body, I vividly remember Christine making sure I felt welcome and took me under her wing - this always stuck with me and summed up her kind and beautiful soul. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."

Christine worked as a teacher at St. Mary’s High School where she made a huge impression on her students, with a number of parents of her pupils sharing stories of her warmth and kindness.

"Words cannot express the depth of sorrow we feel for you on the loss of your beautiful, precious, fun-loving, kind and loving daughter Christine," one mourner said. "As part of my daughter's TY trip, Christine went to Delphi with the class. The students just loved her, as did everyone who had the pleasure of knowing or working with her. She was an exceptional teacher with a radiant, beautiful smile, loved by all. May God - in the knowledge of Christine's goodness, kindness and love - grant her family, partner, colleagues, neighbours and friends the solace, consolation and strength needed at this most difficult time."

Another person added: "My deepest condolences are with Christine's family, partner, friends, community. Such a lovely teacher to my daughters, lovely person prayers are with ye all."

A former colleague of Christine's at St. Mary's said: "My sincere condolences go out to Christine’s family. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her in St Mary’s. Her kindness and dedication left a lasting impression, she will be greatly missed."

A post shared on RIP.ie stated that Christine "will be sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Terry and Ann and her brother Tadhg, her partner Austin, all of her aunts and uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours, work colleagues at St. Mary’s High School, Midleton and a wide circle of friends".

Her funeral is due to be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Glanmire on Wednesday, followed by burial in Rathcooney Cemetery.

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