Tributes to ‘much-loved’ mum-of-3 & school vice-principal who ‘touched countless lives’ as funeral details released

A book of condolence opened in the school today
TRIBUTES are being paid to a ‘dedicated’ school vice-principal after she sadly passed away.

Former pupils, colleagues, and friends have paid tribute to the mum-of-three.

Fionnuala Hartigan (nee Morgan) lived in Newry and was the vice-principal of St Patrick’s College in Banbridge, Co Down.

She passed away on December 5, 2025, peacefully at Evora Hospice in Newry.

She was the “much-loved” wife of Ciaran, and mum to Eoin, Orla and Kate.

And she was the beloved daughter of Raymond and Patricia, and a sister of Orla (Reavey) and Declan.

She joined St Patrick’s College in 1998 as a Business and ICT teacher.

Fionnuala then progressed into senior leadership and in total, worked in the school for 27 years.

St Patrick’s College paid tribute to the “dedicated educator and compassionate role-model” in a post on social media.

Their statement reads: “Our school community is beyond heartbroken that we must announce the passing of our dearly beloved friend and colleague, our vice-principal, Fionnuala Hartigan.

“Words cannot describe the terrible void that this devastating news has left in our school and in our hearts.”

Her heartbroken family have confirmed her funeral details.

‘DEEPLY REGRETTED’

Her remains will repose at her home before a removal on Monday at 12.30pm for funeral mass in St Catherine’s Church, Dominic Street.

A burial ceremony will take place afterwards in Monkshill Cemetery.

Her death notice on Funeral Times said: “Deeply regretted by her sorrowing husband, son, daughters, parents, brother, sister, sisters in law, brothers in law, father in law Peter, mother in law Margaret, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, family circle & friends.

“Family flowers only, donations in lieu may be made for Evora Hospice c/o Charles Digney & Sons Funeral Directors.”

A school spokesperson added: “Her entire career was defined by her unwavering, child-centred approach.

“Fionnuala believed deeply in the potential of every young person and worked tirelessly to ensure their well-being and success were at the heart of everything we did.

‘TOUCHED COUNTLESS LIVES’

“As a vice-principal, her commitment to creating a positive, vibrant, and inclusive learning and working environment was unparalleled.

“The impact of Fionnuala’s loving presence and selfless leadership has undoubtedly touched countless lives over these last 27 years, and her loss will undoubtedly be felt deeply throughout our community for many years to come.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Fionnuala’s husband, Ciaran, to her children, Eoin, Orla and Kate, to her parents, Raymond and Patricia and her siblings Orla and Declan during this difficult time.

“We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and offer respect and privacy as they navigate this most difficult time.”

‘HEARTBROKEN’

In a comment on Funeral Times‘ post on Facebook sharing the death notice, one former pupil said: “I am so heartbroken to hear about the passing of Mrs. Hartigan. She was such a lovely person, always caring, and full of kindness.

“She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and supported in our school community. Her sense of humour could brighten any day, and she always found time to listen and help when I needed it.

“For me, Mrs. Hartigan made my time at St. Patrick’s College so much better. She wasn’t just a vice principal—she was someone who truly cared about us as people.

“She encouraged me, believed in me, and made school feel like a place where I could grow and be myself. I will always remember her laugh, and the way she could make even serious moments feel lighter. She touched so many lives, and her kindness will never be forgotten.

‘A LADY’

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, and everyone at St Patrick’s. She will be missed so much, but her memory will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know her.”

Another wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear about Fionnuala, she was a lady, such a great teacher and made me feel so welcome when I went into St Patrick’s.

“I will always remember her kindness. There are no adequate words to acknowledge Fionnuala’s passing.

“Thinking of all her heartbroken family, colleagues and friends.”

A book of condolence opened in the school assembly hall on Saturday afternoon.