It was with deepest regret that we learned yesterday of the passing of our friend and former colleague Eimear Clare Gilligan. 

Eimear joined Ratoath College during the 2008 school year and was a hugely important part of our school community in so many ways for more than a decade, before transferring to St Peter’s College, Dunboyne, near her home, in 2019.  

As part of our SNA team Eimear played a vital role in supporting students in RC. Those students who worked with Eimear, and her former colleagues too, remember Eimear’s unquenchable positivity and enthusiasm, both inside the classroom and out – Mol an Óige suited Eimear down to the ground. 

Eimear was also central to the extra-curricular life of our school. As a trailblazing member of Dublin’s 1989 All-Ireland Junior Football Championship winning team, GAA was an incredibly important part of Eimear’s life and many RC football, hurling and camogie teams received the benefit of this as Eimear accompanied countless teams to matches over the years. Indeed, Eimear had an innate understanding and belief in the importance and value of sport for young people and she didn’t discriminate between codes. She was just as likely to be there for soccer or basketball or rugby. And while, on the sideline for a semi-final or a final Eimear was always our most vociferous supporter, it certainly could never be said that she was a fair-weather fan. Rain, hail or snow, Eimear was never deterred, and that characteristic enthusiasm and positivity never wavered.  

Nor did her willingness to participate. Collegiality and camaraderie were watchwords for Eimear and no matter what the occasion, or potentially embarrassing fundraiser or special event, she could always be counted on to be the first to volunteer, the first to offer her help, the first to step in and do whatever needed to be done, always putting others before herself.  

Eimear’s deeply held sense of commitment to her work, to her students and to our school was always, in everything she did, clear to see, always accompanied by her infectious good humour, her razor sharp wit and her indomitable spirit.  

On behalf of the entire Ratoath College community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Eimear’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers at this sad time are with her husband Eamonn, her children Kevin, Seán, Eamonn and Clare, her extended family and friends, her colleagues and students at SPC and with all those whose mourn her passing, whose lives, like ours, were enriched by knowing her.  

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hAnam dílis. 

Click/tap here to view funeral arrangements and the online book of condolence for Eimear.