‘Rachael will give students strength to get through last days of college’
Noelle Hogan was speaking at the funeral Mass of her younger sister Rachael, a fourth-year business student who died suddenly while giving a presentation on her final year project at UL’s Kemmy Business School last Thursday.
In a remarkable display of selflessness, Noelle told her sister’s friends, gathered at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Milford, Limerick, that her family is thinking of them as they prepare for their final exams.
“To those who were with Rachael when she passed we are eternally grateful. No words will ever express what we feel for you. You held her hand, talked to her and gave her more medical help than we could have.”
She added: “We all know Rachael would not want any of you back here repeating exams in August. We are sure she will give you the strength to carry on and get through the last few days in college.
“Stick together and you will push through to the finish line, that’s what Rachael would have wanted and that’s what we want for ye.”
In his homily, UL chaplain Fr John Campion said Rachael had a bright smile which endeared her to so many. Hundreds of mourners packed the church, nestled in a corner of the UL campus, where Rachael was christened.
Mourners were led by Rachael’s parents Michael and Anne and older sisters Noelle and Sarah.
Among those present was UL president Don Barry, staff members, and Rachael’s school friends from Milford National School and Castletroy College.
Fr Campion recalled the “self motivated and driven” young student who also shared the importance of the good things in life like family and friends.
He also recalled how she had to learn to cope with epilepsy from an early age and knew how to manage her illness.
Mourners heard how Rachael loved soccer and was a member of Aisling Annacotty ladies soccer team and a keen Manchester United supporter.
Referring to the tragic events of last Thursday when Rachael collapsed suddenly, Fr Campion said it was like the “world was suddenly turned upside down”.
Preliminary autopsy results were inconclusive.
