MUCH LOVED…Aisling Carroll and her daughter Fiona who died tragically last week RMG09
THE LITTLE Enniskillen girl whose story in last week’s Herald touched the hearts of many of our readers passed away unexpectedly last Wednesday night leaving behind a heart-broken family.
Little Fiona Ann Carroll-McGirr was the only girl in the North and one of only two in Ireland with Cockayne Syndrome a rare disorder, which occurs in about two per million new-borns.
Fiona’s story was featured in the Herald last week, with her mum Aisling vowing to do all in her power to find a cure for her “little miracle”.
As news filtered through of Fiona’s death on Thursday an outpouring of sympathy was expressed through social media, showing the love felt for the Enniskillen child.
Speaking on Friday Fiona’s aunt Antoinette Caroll said her niece’s passing was “just shocking” and said it “hasn’t hit home yet”.
Fiona’s grandmother and Aisling’s mother Fiona Gillen-Caroll explained that the death was unexpected.
“We are in bits, we’re totally dumfounded, it happened so quick and she was only three. She hadn’t been in hospital for three months, she’d been doing great and had been in great form. It has just taken everyone by surprise.”
She said that her grandchild’s passing has left a “huge hole” in her daughter Aisling’s life and speaking on Friday said the family were finding it very difficult.
“We’re not holding up. We’re coping, but my other daughter, I have five children, Aisling’s sister, in her eyes it’s not real, she can’t accept that Fiona’s gone.”
Country singer Lisa McHugh, who met little Fiona two weeks ago at Willowbridge posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook.
“Earlier this morning I received the heartbreaking news that precious Fiona had passed away in her sleep last night.
She stole my heart the minute I met her and she stole the hearts of so many others too.
“I count myself so privileged to have had that chance to meet you and have a cuddle and there is no doubt that heaven gained a very special angel today. My sincere condolences go out to Fiona’s mum and dad and her extended family and friends at this awful time.”
Willowbridge School also paid a tribute to their former pupil via Facebook.
“Our hearts are broken again as little Fiona Carroll-McGirr fell asleep last night and joined the angels in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family.”
A photograph of Aisling and little Fiona from last week’s article now has pride of place in the Carroll household in Corban Avenue.
Fiona’s funeral Mass was held on Monday morning at 11am in St Michael’s Church, Enniskillen.
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