Tributes have been paid to a Co Tyrone teacher who has died following a short illness.

Sinead Dooher (McHugh), who was a prominent teacher at Our Lady & St Patrick’s College in Belfast, passed away on March 9.

A funeral notice said that Ms Dooher died following a “short illness which was fought courageously, surrounded by her loving family”.

Ms Dooher joined the joined the school 28 years ago and was a “key member” of the English department.

The 52-year-old is survived by her three children, Daire, Ruari, and Aoibhe, as well as her husband, Gary.

Our Lady & St Patrick’s College said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of the “untimely death” and recognised Ms Dooher as “an integral part of the community.”

The east Belfast school said: “The students, staff and Board of Governors of Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock are deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of Ms Sinead Dooher (RIP).

“Sinead joined Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock in 1997 and quickly became an integral member of our College community, admired and respected by staff and students alike.

“She was exceptionally proud to teach in the College, a key member of our English department, committed to getting the very best out of every student, and a loyal supporter of #teamknock.”

They added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Sinead’s husband Gary, their three children, Daire, Ruairi and Aoibhe, and her extended family and many friends.

“Sinead will be very much missed by the students and staff, both former and present, of Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock and we hold her in our prayers. May she Rest in Peace.”

Ms Dooher came from a respected GAA family in Co Tyrone with Tyrone GAA expressing they were “deeply distressed” to learn about her death.

The Ulster GAA side said: “Gaelic Tyrone is deeply distressed to learn of the death of Sinead McHugh dear sister of our cherished, enduring Club Tyrone Treasurer Roisin (Shanks), and dear daughter of Johnny and Gabrielle, hugely influential generational presences within and across Tyrone GAA.

“Sinead’s cruel illness was taken on resolutely, in the full spirit of a family who contribute so much to what we are and what we try to do.”

News Catch Up – Tuesday 11 March