Heartbreaking tributes have emerged for Aoife Bird, a cherished school teacher, who passed away on Wednesday, just one day after the death of her newborn daughter, Ailbhe. Aoife, originally from County Waterford and residing in Longwood, Meath, died from a sudden illness at the Regional Hospital Mullingar, surrounded by her grieving family.

A death notice announced the tragic news, stating, "It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Aoife Bird (née Oates) on the 26th November and baby Ailbhe who passed away on the 25th November, of Ballymulmore, Longwood, Co. Meath and formerly of 18 St Killian's Place, Ferrybank, Waterford following a sudden illness."

Aoife is survived by her husband Jim, their baby boy Daithí, and her devastated parents, Peter and Margaret. She is also mourned by her sisters Siobhan, Aisling, and Róisín, brother Shane, mother-in-law Veronica, grandparents Micheal and Kathleen, and numerous other family members and friends.

Aoife taught Spanish, Business, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) at Ashbourne Community School. The school released a statement expressing their sorrow: "It is with profound sadness that we share this message with you. Today, we have received the sad news of the sudden death of our esteemed colleague, friend and Spanish, Business and SEN teacher Ms. Aoife Oates and her daughter Ailbhe. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aoife's husband Jim and the extended family. We are supporting our school community during this time of immense sorrow and grief. May their gentle souls Rest in Peace."

Former pupils have shared their condolences and memories of Aoife. One former student remarked, "Sincere condolences to Ms Oates' husband Jim and her family on the loss of Aoife and baby Ailbhe. I was lucky to have her as my teacher in my time in ACS. She was the kindest, caring, funniest person. She was a huge part of my time in ACS. I will be forever grateful for all the memories I have with her. She was one of a kind."

Another former pupil added, "Deepest condolences to the Oates and Bird families. Aoife was an amazing teacher and made my time at ACS even better with all the fun and craic we had in her class together. I will always cherish those memories. May Aoife and Ailbhe rest in peace."

A staff member at Ashbourne Community School expressed their sorrow, stating, "I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I got to know Aoife during my time teaching in Ashbourne Community School, and she was truly a ray of sunshine. Her smile, sense of fun and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her."

Jim Bird, Aoife's husband, is a teacher at Scoil Mhurie secondary school in Trim. His colleagues have also paid tribute to Aoife and Ailbhe on their school website, stating, "It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Aoife and her newborn baby Ailbhe, beloved wife and daughter of our teacher Mr Jim Bird. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and his mother Veronica Bird."

The local GAA club, Boardsmill GAA, has also expressed its condolences, stating, "It is with deep sadness and shock that we inform you of the untimely passing of Aoife Bird (née Oates) and her newborn baby girl Ailbhe, beloved wife and daughter of Jim Bird. The Bird family are very much involved in our Club with Aoife, Assistant Secretary."

The community continues to mourn the loss of Aoife and her daughter, as tributes pour in from all corners, highlighting the profound impact she had on those around her.