Woman dies at some point after dying of her new child child as tributes flood in for beloved mum

Heart-wrenching tributes have been flooding in after the devastating loss of a beloved school teacher from Co Meath and her newborn baby, just one day apart.

Aoife Bird (née Oates), originally from Co Waterford but residing with her family in Longwood, Meath, tragically passed away on Wednesday due to a sudden illness, just a day after her newborn baby Ailbhe died.

A death notice posted on RIP.ie reads: “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Aoife Bird (née Oates) on the 26th November and baby Ailbhe who passed away on the 25th November, of Ballymulmore, Longwood, Co.Meath and formerly of 18 St Killian’s Place, Ferrybank, Waterford following a sudden illness surrounded by her heartbroken family at the Regional Hospital Mullingar.

“Sadly missed by her loving husband Jim and baby boy Daithí, her devastated parents Peter and Margaret, sisters Siobhan, Aisling and Róisín and brother Shane, mother-in-law Veronica, grandparents Micheal and Kathleen, brothers-in-law Ryan, Jack, Charley and Lee, nephews and nieces Beth, Anna, Tadhg and Rory, aunts, uncles and all the wider Bird, Oates and Freeman families plus all Aoife’s many heartbroken friends and colleagues in Ashbourne Community School,” reports the Irish Mirror.

Aoife was a respected teacher at Ashbourne Community School, where she taught Spanish, Business and SEN. The school has paid a moving tribute to the much-loved staff member following her unexpected death.

“It is with profound sadness that we share this message with you,” the school said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Today, we have received the sad news of the sudden death of our esteemed colleague, friend and Spanish, Business and SEN teacher Ms. Aoife Oates and her daughter Ailbhe.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Aoife’s husband Jim and the extended family.

“We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief. May their gentle souls Rest in Peace.”

Jim, Aoife’s husband, teaches at Scoil Mhurie secondary school in Trim, where colleagues have paid heartfelt tributes to the young mother and her baby in a touching message posted on their website.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Aoife and her newborn baby Ailbhe, beloved wife and daughter of our teacher Mr Jim Bird,” a school representative stated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and his mother Veronica Bird, our school secretary. We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief.

“May their gentle souls Rest in Peace.”

Aoife played an active role within the local GAA club, Boardsmill GAA, who have extended their condolences to the Bird family throughout this heartbreaking period.

“It is with deep sadness and shock that we inform you of the untimely passing of Aoife Bird (neé Oates) and her newborn baby girl Ailbhe, beloved wife and daughter of Jim Bird,” the club said in a statement. “The Bird family are very much involved in our Club with Aoife, Assistant Secretary of the Camogie and Jim, our Club PRO, manager of underage teams and player for Boardsmill GAA.

“Jim’s brothers; Jack, also a player, Charley a former player, not to mention, Jim’s mother Veronica, who was instrumental in the running of our Road Hurling for years and also involved in helping to put together our recently published History Book.

“We extend our sincere condolences and offer our prayers to their families and friends at this very difficult time. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí orthu.”

Aoife was a gifted equestrian, representing Waterford Tipperary SJI in showjumping competitions across the country and even overseas.

In honour of the Waterford native, a representative from the Irish Horse Board expressed: “All at the Irish Horse Board offer our deepest, deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aoife and baby Ailbhe Bird (née Oates) who both passed away this week. Aoife was a talented and valued member of the Irish equestrian community for many years.”

Several of Aoife’s colleagues and former students at Ashbourne Community School have also paid their respects to the beloved teacher.

One former pupil expressed: “Sincere condolences to Ms Oates husband Jim and her family on the lost of Aoife and baby Ailbhe. I was lucky to have her as my teacher in my time in ACS. She was the most kindest, caring funniest person. She was a huge part of my time in ACS. I will be forever grateful for all the memories I have with her. She was one of a kind. She was more than just a teacher to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Rest Easy Ms Oates Que en Paz Descansen Ms Oates y Ailbhe.”

Another former student shared: “Deepest condolences to the Oate and Bird Families. Aoife was an amazing teacher and made my time at ACS even better with all the fun and craic we had in her class together. I will always cherish those memories. May Aoife and Ailbhe rest in peace.”

A colleague at the school reflected: “I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I got to know Aoife during my time teaching in Ashbourne Community School, and she was truly a ray of sunshine. Her smile, sense of fun and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Thinking of Jim, baby Daithí and all of Aoife’s family and friends who loved her so much during this incredibly difficult time.”

Whilst another well-wisher commented: “I’m so sorry to hear about this sad news of Aoife she was a lovely young lady such a sweet and kind person my heart goes out to you all may she R.I.P.”

Aoife will be laid in repose at her parents’ home in Ferrybank, Waterford, from 2pm until 6pm on Sunday with a rosary at 5:30pm. The young mum will then lie in repose at her family home in Longwood from 2pm on Monday, December 1.

Her funeral mass will take place at 11am on Tuesday in St Brigid’s Church, Boardsmill, Trim, Co. Meath, followed by burial in Clonee Cemetery Longwood.