Tributes paid to ‘an amazing’ County Roscommon teacher who was ‘deeply committed to supporting the children in her care’
The late Áine Gallagher (Betagh).
A County Roscommon primary school teacher who passed away on Wednesday last will be remembered as “an amazing teacher who adored her pupils”.
Áine Gallagher (Betagh), Castlerea and Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina, who was in her early forties, passed away peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by her devoted husband and loving family in the exceptional care of the staff at Mayo Hospice, after a long illness borne with courage, determination and dignity.
A teacher at Tarmon National School in Castlerea, Áine will be remembered as a dedicated, kind and caring member of the school community who “brought warmth, patience and positivity” to her work every day. She was deeply committed to supporting the children in her care and helping each child grow in confidence and happiness.
Management at the school said that “Áine will be remembered with great affection for her kindness, warmth, and dedication to the children and staff in our school. She touched the lives of so many and will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Over the past few days, pupils, staff, and the extended school community in Tarmon have shared many stories and memories of her, especially the many quiet acts of kindness she showed to others.
“She will live on in our hearts and always remain a cherished part of Tarmon NS.
“Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to her husband, Ed, the Betagh, and Gallagher families and her many friends at this very sad time.”
The school has set up a memory table in her honour where all are invited to write down their favourite memories of the popular teacher.
Parents have remembered her as a teacher who “cared so much about all of the pupils and you could feel it the moment you walked into her classroom”.
Friends have spoken of how she faced her illness with such courage, strength and determination, and how she was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
Áine will be sadly missed by her heartbroken family, husband, Edmund Betagh; parents, Tommy and Kathleen (née Forde); brother, Rory (Athlone); sister, Siobhán (Glencorrib); parents-in-law, Richard and Jean Betagh; brother-in-law, Thomas and his partner Emma; sister-in-law, Alma; brother-in-law, Martyn Kennett; nieces, Annabel, Moya and Aoibh; nephews, Conor, Xander and Charlie; godchildren, Laila and Felix; aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, colleagues, neighbours and a very large circle of friends.
Aine reposed at Gaynor's Funeral Home, Castlerea on Friday and at Hiney’s Funeral Home, Crossmolina, this evening Sunday followed by prayers and reception into St. Tiernan's Church, Crossmolina. Following Mass of the Resurrection at 12 midday on Monday ( March 16th) Áine will be laid to rest in Crossmolina Cemetery.
