Tributes paid to 'lovely, bright, caring' teenager following her sad passing
Roscommon Town is in mourning following the very sad passing of a teenager.
Emma Biesty, The Walk Road, Roscommon Town, passed away peacefully in her 15th year surrounded by her heartbroken family, in the loving and devoted care of CHI Crumlin on Sunday February 22nd, 2026.
She was described as a lovely, bright, caring girl and a cherished friend to her classmates at Roscommon Community College.
Adored daughter to Tara (née O’Callaghan) and Joe, and cherished sister to Mark and Amy, Emma will be forever missed by her family, grandmothers Stephanie and Maureen, uncles, aunts, cousins and her many friends.
She is now reunited with her beloved grandads Michael O’Callaghan and Joe Biesty.
Emma will be reposing at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon (F42 NH27) this evening from 5 pm until 7 pm. Removal from her home will take place on Wednesday morning, arriving to the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon for Mass of the Resurrection at 11 am, with burial afterwards in St Coman’s Cemetery.
Roscommon Gaels GAA Club has led tributes to the much loved teenager, saying Emma would always be one of its All Stars and be part of its team.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our club's precious All Star and Lady Footballer, Emma Biesty,” the club said. “Emma was one of the very first members of the Roscommon Gaels All Stars Team and from the very beginning, she brought light, joy and determination to every session. Her smile, her spirit and her love for football was evident at every training.”
It said that Emma reminded everyone what the All Stars is truly about; friendship, inclusion, fun and the pure love of the game.
“She showed up with courage and enthusiasm, and she leaves behind a wonderful legacy. We extend our deepest sympathies to her heartbroken parents, Joe who is the club's pitch co-ordinator and also coaches, Emma's Mum Tara, and to her brother Mark and sister Amy.
“We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers at this unimaginably difficult time.
Roscommon Special Olympics said it was saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and athlete Emma Biesty.
“Emma was a much loved and valued member of our club. Emma’s beautiful smile and very gentle nature lit up our sessions. Emma always gave one hundred percent effort at all our gatherings. We remember back especially to our Halloween get together when Emma stole the show as our DJ,” the group said. “This is where she showed her wonderful creative nature and her sense of fun shone out. She was an amazing young girl whose warmth and good nature touched us all. We will truly miss her.”
The organisation said its thoughts and prayers are with Emma’s family and friends, as well as her school friends in RCC at this sad time.
