Tributes to much loved Cootehill girl

Her funeral is taking place this morning.

There was shock at the sudden passing of Amelie McCormack on Saturday night.

The 11 year old Cootehill girl had Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the development of the brain.

A degenerative syndrome, her condition deteriorated over the course of her short life.

Her family, well-known in Cootehill and surrounding areas, launched a fundraiser earlier this year to gather funds to purchase a wheelchair accessible car.

Amelie’s mother Pamela, who was also her full time carer, spoke to the Celt in May to share the family’s disappointment at the prolonged closure of the hydrotherapy pool at the Enable Ireland centre in Cavan town.

In a message on Facebook, she noted the family’s shock and sadness at Amelie’s passing and thanked all for the support people have given over the years.

“It's with utter shock and devastation that Stephen, Scarlett, Grace and myself let you know that Amelie passed away tonight, very suddenly and very unexpectedly.

“As you can imagine we are utterly heartbroken, she was such a fighter and the last 2 years were hard on her but she just always managed to always pull through but not tonight.”

Tributes have been paid to Amelie and her family.

Coláiste Oireall in Monaghan, where Amelie’s older sisters Scarlett and Grace attended, said “we are heartbroken for them. Amélie was a courageous, heroic and loving girl who brought so much happiness into the lives of her family and friends.”

The Bad Examples Motorcycle Club said “it is with a heavy heart” that the club learned of her sudden passing and sent its condolences to the McCormack family.

Amelie was predeceased by her brother Liam and is survived by parents Stephen and Pamela and sisters Scarlett and Grace.

Her funeral took place in St Michael's Church, Cootehill today. It can be livestreamed here.