Tributes are pouring in for a brave 11-year-old girl from Co. Wicklow who has died following a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer.
Caoimhe Dylan Keenan, from Bray, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 28, surrounded by her loving family, close friends and beloved pets after battling Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of childhood cancer.
Caoimhe was diagnosed in July 2025, just months after celebrating her 10th birthday. Her family first realised something was seriously wrong after what was initially believed to be a stomach bug.
Speaking about the devastating diagnosis in an interview with DublinLive last July, Caoimhe's sister, Cara, recalled how concerns grew after her symptoms failed to improve.
"It was only after a week that we said she really does need to be seen. Mum and Dad brought her into the hospital, and the doctors had noticed a lump in her mouth."
Doctors initially believed the issue could be dental before further investigations led to a biopsy.
"They suggested it could be dental. The dentist said it wasn’t dental. From there things escalated quite quickly. She had a scope put in and they said it wasn’t nasal. They took a biopsy. She was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma on July 14," Cara said.
As Caoimhe underwent treatment, the local community rallied around the family. In 2025, a family friend launched a fundraising campaign that raised more than €55,000 to help support Caoimhe and her loved ones throughout her illness.
Announcing her passing, Caoimhe's family described the enormous impact she had on those around her.
"Caoimhe Dylan Keenan, aged 11, passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, close friends, and pets, in the early hours of Sunday 28th of June 2026."
The notice added that she would be lovingly remembered by her parents Matt and Martina, siblings Cara and Jonathan, grandmothers Catherine and Geraldine, along with her wider family, friends, classmates and her pets Willow and Kitkat.
Her funeral will take place on Friday, July 3, with a Funeral Mass at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace on Putland Road, Bray, before a committal service at the Victorian Chapel in Mount Jerome Crematorium.
In keeping with Caoimhe's vibrant personality, mourners have been invited to wear bright colours.
"The family invite everyone to wear bright and vibrant colours in honour of her fiery and energetic spirit."
The Keenan family also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the many people and organisations who supported Caoimhe during her illness, including the staff of St John's Ward in Crumlin, the North Wicklow Hospice team, the Keeley D Foundation and the Gavin Glynn Foundation. They have asked that donations be made to the Gavin Glynn and Keeley D foundations in lieu of flowers.
The death notice ends with the poignant words: "Time’s forever frozen still."
Messages of sympathy and remembrance have continued to flood in, with many remembering Caoimhe's courage, kindness and infectious personality.
"Matt, Martina, Cara & JJ we are truly heartbroken for you all to know Caoimhe was to love her and by goodness did we love her. She showed so much strength and resilience over the last 12 months, she fought so hard. She was & always will be our warrior. Hope you get the best bed up there sweetheart. Watch over mum, dad, Cara & JJ, Willow & Kit Kat. Until we all meet again," one tribute read.
Another mourner wrote: "We are so deeply saddened for your immeasurable loss. Martina, Matt, Cara and JJ, and your extended family, we are thinking of you all with such love and care. Caoimhe was a beautiful and special young girl, and we will continue to think of her and remember her with awe. Sending you so much love and strength."
A further tribute described Caoimhe as "one of the most determined, fun loving and kind children I've ever had the pleasure to know."
"I will miss that wicked sense of humour which brought such joy. There are no words to make sense of this. I'm sending you hugs, positive thoughts and healing wishes and keeping you all in my prayers."
