Tributes to teen with ‘enormous coronary heart and delightful smile’ who died after ending exams
Alisha Dillon, 18, from Darndale, Dublin, died suddenly just weeks after completing her Leaving Cert exams – she was described as a ‘gentle soul’ and a ‘lovely young person’
Alisha Dillon passed away suddenly
Tributes have been paid to a teenager with “a kind heart and huge creative talents” who tragically passed away just weeks after finishing her exams. Alisha Dillon, 18, from Darndale, Dublin died “unexpectedly surrounded by her loving family and in the wonderful care of staff at Beaumont Hospital” on Sunday, 21 June, according to her obituary posted on RIP. ie.
The young woman has been remembered as the “bubbly, caring, kind hearted and cherished daughter of Ashling and Dermot, treasured and much loved sister of Adam and Amber, adored granddaughter of Anto (Masher), loving and devoted girlfriend of Daragh”.
“Alisha will be forever missed and always remembered with love by her mam, dad, brother sister, grandad, boyfriend, aunts uncles, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbours,” the notice reads.
Alisha was a student at Mercy College Coolock and had only recently finished her Leaving Cert exams earlier this month. The school has shared a touching tribute to the teenager on social media following her sudden passing, reports the Irish Mirror.
“It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the sudden passing of Alisha Dillon from our Leaving Certificate Class of 2026,” a spokesperson for the school said.
“Alisha had a kind heart, huge creative talents and a beautiful smile. She was a loyal, caring friend and absolutely adored her family. We were so proud to see her sit the Leaving Cert and to see her grow into the wonderful young woman she had become.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends at this time of immeasurable grief. May Alisha’s gentle soul rest in peace.”
School staff confirmed that Mercy College would reopen on Tuesday to allow pupils and staff to pay their respects to Alisha and come together for mutual comfort, while a book of condolence has been placed in the prayer room.
One of Alisha’s former teachers also shared a heartfelt tribute to the teenager, writing: “My deepest condolences to Aishling, Dermot, Adam, Amber, Daragh and all Alisha’s family and friends.
“I am so sorry for your loss. I’m in shock. Alisha was in my form class and my guidance group. She was such a lovely young person, so polite and respectful and always so appreciative of help. She is a huge loss. May she rest in peace.”
Alisha was a student at Our Lady Immaculate Junior National School in Darndale, with a former teacher remembering her as a ” kind and talented child” in a heartfelt tribute posted online.
“Ashling, Adam, Amber and Dermot, I am so so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Alisha,” they expressed.
“I had the absolute pleasure of teaching her in Junior and Senior Infants in OLI JNS. She was such a beautiful, kind and talented child. May her gentle soul fly high with the angels.”
Alisha worked at JD Sports, where a colleague shared how “she had the kindest heart and always made the people around her laugh,” adding that “she will be sorely missed by us all.”
Alisha will lie in repose at Jennings Funeral Home, Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock on Saturday from 12-2pm. Her body will be moved on Monday morning to the Church of Our Lady Immaculate, Darndale for a Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by burial in Balgriffin Cemetery Ext.
