The wider Lurgan community has been plunged into mourning following the heart-breaking loss of one of the town’s bravest and brightest, as her grieving parents now prepare to bury their beloved six-year-old daughter on New Year’s Day.
Little Grace Halliday McConville – who “blessed this world for six beautiful years” – passed away in the loving arms of her parents, Damian and Kirsty on December 29 at Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast.
Since late 2024, Grace had been battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She bravely underwent “intensive” impatient chemotherapy, multiple blood transfusions and hospital admissions.
Through it all, her incredible resilience shone through.
In March 2025, her parents set up ‘A Gift From Grace’ to allow those in similar situations to follow Grace’s story and establish a supportive community network. It was also Damian and Kirsty’s way of “giving back” to every single person who provided medical assistance and care to Grace throughout her journey.
Despite traversing one of the most trying times of their lives, they continued to think of others and in June the family launched a GoFundMe page in Grace’s name to raise money for various childhood cancer charities and families in need of support. To date their effort has selflessly raised more than £4,000.
It was also in June, that their little warrior – after six months of treatment – was provided the chance to “ring the bell”.
Making the announcement via A Gift from Grace, her parents said: “To this week having now completed 28 gruelling sessions of radiotherapy, all having to be done under general anaesthetic 5 days a week.
“All 9 inpatient chemotherapy cycles also completed this weekend, especially those 5 cycles at the start where it was extremely intensive.
“There have been extremely tough days on all of us which have left scars and trauma for the rest of our lives. But for the moment we’ve got through it, now for her next stage of scans to see how the cancer has reacted to all her treatments to date before the next decision and stage of treatments begin.
“To every member of staff that has got her and us to this moment, thank you, honestly you are all worth your weight in gold. I could easily write about every single one of you and how much you mean to us, but the fact that Grace clearly adores you all and even looks forward to her admissions says everything.
“So let’s celebrate this win and bask in what strength, resilience and courage that Grace has shown so far in her journey.”
Sadly, in October they received the worst news imaginable when they learned that Grace had relapsed.
They battled this part of their journey privately, their entire attentions focused on a very special little girl.
The devastating news came on December 29, that Grace – who “touched the hearts of all who knew her” – had passed away.
Sharing their heartfelt condolences, one of Grace’s former teachers said: “It was a pleasure to teach such an amazing little girl, thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this most difficult time, rest in peace amazing Grace.”
Another person added: “My deepest sympathy to Kirsty and Dee. Grace was the most brightest and beautiful child that I had the honour of meeting. She showed such strength and courage with the purest heart. Rest in peace little Grace.”
Angel Wishes, who support NI children with cancer, said it was “with the heaviest heart we learn of the passing of our darling little, amazing Grace”.
“Our hearts are with her incredible parents, Dee and Kirsty, whose devotion to Grace goes beyond the meaning of the word Love.
“I will cherish the memory of little Grace slipping her hand into mine as we went to look for conkers, how she told me she had to walk carefully and her giggles. That same day she wished Jim O’Kane well as he left Moira to walk to Ballintoy. Again Grace held my hand along with Kirsty’s, only letting go to get passed the cars. Grace proudly gave me a magnificent bouquet of flowers to thank me for helping her family.
“Darling Wee Grace, I didn’t need thanks, it was a total pleasure and an honor to have met such a beautiful little girl and I will hold you in my heart forever. Fly High Wee Angel I will never forget you. Please can I ask you all to keep Dee and Kirsty in your prayers as they walk the hardest path on earth.”
The community at large have vowed to support the family in the difficult days ahead through prayer.
A death notice described Grace as the cherished granddaughter of Heather, Ken, Martina, and Michael, and a much-loved great-granddaughter, niece, and cousin.
Her funeral will take place on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, at 11am in Emmanuel Church, Lurgan, with burial afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Aghagallon.
Donations, if desired, in lieu of flowers, to A Gift from Grace via mcalindenandmurtagh.com.
