Thousands of tributes have been paid following the passing of a Coalisland woman whose “strength and courage” through illness inspired all who knew her.
Mum-of-one, Éadaoin Ferguson, sadly passed away on Wednesday (February 4) following an almost four year battle with bone cancer.
She dealt the heart-breaking diagnosis just before Christmas 2022. She then underwent “gruelling” chemotherapy for a period of nine months followed by “numerous major surgeries” on her leg.
Then on October 20, 2023 a glimmer of hope came when she was given the “all clear”. But another nine months passed – during which time Éadaoin had begun to “heal mentally and physically” – and she was yet again dealt another soul-crushing blow.
Her cancer had returned and had moved to her lungs. At that stage, she was made aware there was no cure for her cancer.
Keen to help in any way she could, her friend, Sinead McStravock launched a GoFundMe page in August 2024 to ensure Éadaoin had enough funds to “fulfil any dreams she wishes”.
In the description accompanying the fundraiser, Sinead said: “…the disease is taking her away from her family friends and most of all her beautiful six-year-old son, Ruairidh.
“Eadaoin is the most courageous and strongest mummy I have ever met in my life, her world is his world and she lives for him every day.
“We want to come together as a community to raise some funds for Eadaoin and Ruairidh so she can live out her final days, months, and hopefully years with him the best she can and fulfil any dreams that she wishes.”
The community rallied behind the fundraising effort and – to date – it has raised over £72,000.
Now, learning of her devastating death, the community that did all they could to support Éadaoin’s dreams have been plunged into mourning.
Sharing their sympathies, one person said of the ever-impressive young woman: “The courage this inspirational girl showed. Thinking of her adored son, family and friends.
“From the first time I met her as a student nurse I remember thinking ‘The world needs more people like her’.”
Ógras Centre Coalisland added: “Eadaoin faced true illness with a strength and bravery that inspired everyone around her, never letting it dim her spirit.
“She had a wonderful sense of humour, a way of finding light even in the hardest moments, and she lived fully in the present.
“Eadaoin had a rare gift for brightening the lives of all who met her, leaving people feeling warmer just for having known her.
“She showed us that time is not measured by how long we live, but by how we live it, by the moments we create, the memories we share, and the love and impact she undoubtedly leave’s behind. May she R.I.P.”
A death notice described Éadaoin as the loving mother of Ruáirídh, much loved daughter of Jarlath and Julia, dearest sister of Conor, Aoibheann and the late Colleen RIP, partner of Cathoir, cherished granddaughter of Bernadette Timlin and the late Eddie and Sheila Ferguson RIP and loving niece of Francella Olga, Edwina, Aideen, Gerard, Kevin and the late Jarlath RIP.
Her funeral will take place on Saturday morning at SS Mary and Joseph’s Church , Brackaville Road for Requiem Mass at 11am.
Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
