THE heartbroken family of the late Laoise Nolan (22) have paid tribute to “a wonderful, unique and amazing person”.
Laoise Grace Nolan died suddenly on June 26, following a road traffic accident outside Belturbet, Co. Cavan.
Reflecting on life without Laoise, her devastated mother, Deirdre, said: “She will be sorely missed, and it is something we will never get over.”
Laoise was “a very lovable, likeable and happy girl”. Her favourite colour was white; her favourite song was ‘I Hope’, by Gabby Barrett; and her favourite flower was the sunflower. 
Since the 22-year-old was buried last Wednesday in Cross Cemetery, her grave has received new floral tributes daily.
Deirdre said: “I have been to her grave every day, and there are more and more flowers every day.”
Born on May 10, 1999, Laoise was the second-oldest in her family.
Growing up, Laoise had long white-blonde hair the length of her back, and was “the most loving, mischievous and rebellious child,” said Deirdre.
Laoise attended Jones Memorial Primary School and Erne Integrated College. 
Paying tribute to Laoise’s character, Deirdre and her daughter, Cara (24), said: “Laoise was a free spirit. She was never in a bad mood, and she loved to party and be with her friends.”
Deirdre added: “Someone said to us that she lived life like it was her last day, and that is what she did. Even her tattoo said, ‘Don’t dream your life, live your dream’.”
Laoise had a kind heart and gave to others, with her kindness reflected in her ambition to study social work – she had applied for a course in this.
Deirdre said: “She was a lovely young lady, and I thought I had years and years ahead of us. She was a nice girl, and she was just really young.”
Family was important to Laoise, Deirdre added. “She was always happiest with her family and friends, and she was always very loving toward us and to her siblings. We have tons of memories.”
The family enjoyed swimming and horseback riding when Laoise was growing up.
Her sister, Cara, added: “When we were younger we used to pretend to be Ariel, from ‘The Little Mermaid’.” 
Laoise was also a lover of animals and her family recalled how Laoise, who loved dogs and horses, discovered she was allergic to horses, and was distraught at the thought of not being able to ride, but a course of antihistamines solved that issue.
The family have taken comfort in the support of the community, Deirdre said.
“There are mass cards from people who did not know Laoise arriving to the house every day. Her final journey has been viewed online more than 82,000 times. It shows how people really cared for her.”
Laoise Nolan is survived by her mother, Deirdre; father, Shane; siblings Cara (24), Matthew (14), Erin (12), Kyla (11) and Jackson (5).
Her funeral service took place at St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen last Wednesday, June 30, and was conducted by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly, with singer Maria Cameron.
Funeral arrangements were carried out by Marcus Madill Funeral Director.