'Today we lost a true friend' - Carlow community in mourning following sad death of beloved woman

A Carlow community is in mourning following the death of a "true friend", and someone who "oozed positivity".

Sally Mc Donald (née Doyle), an adored mother, treasured friend, and fearless member of the Carlow Pride community, sadly but peacefully passed away on Tuesday.

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Tributes have poured in from those who knew and loved Sally, including a heartfelt message from the Carlow Pride community on Facebook, where Sally was said to have "left the world so much more colourful."

The post reads,

"Our dearest Sally…

"Today we lost a true friend and one our very first committee member of Carlow Pride Festival, Sally McDonald.

"In 2018, when no one else believed in us, Sally was the only person in a room full of people that stood up and said she would march in the first Carlow Pride Festival. I never knew that evening would turn into all of these memories. 

“Together we won awards, dressed up for Halloween, danced in Carlow Town Park and painted Carlow rainbow.

"Our parade route was named Sally’s Rainbow Road, and will forever carry her name and spirit. Each Pride, when we walk that route, she will be walking beside us in the sunshine.

"Rest in Peace, Sally. You left the world so much more colourful, and better."

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Tributes have also been paid on RIP.ie, with a friend of the family saying,

"Heartfelt condolences to Larry, and all the Mc Donald family on the sad passing of your beloved Sally. She was a wonderful lady who was so proud of you all and an amazing community woman, who oozed positivity.

"We are thinking of you all at this difficult time, may the precious memories sustain you in the days ahead. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam."

Sally was the dearly beloved wife of Larry and adored mother of Karen, Fergal, Brona, Lisa, Keelin and Ross.

She was also the cherished grandmother of grandchildren Aoibhín, Dáire, Dearbhla, Niamh, Caitriona, Evan, Orla, Fiach, Rory, Moya, Eimear, Aoife, Cara, Emma and Tom,

Sally will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Reposing in R. Healy & Son Funeral Home, Pollerton Castle, Carlow (R93 H308) on Thursday, August 28, from 3.30pm concluding with prayers at 7.30pm.

Funeral Mass on Friday at 10am in the Cathedral of the Assumption. Burial afterwards in Tinryland Cemetery.