DEEP SHOCK’
Third tragedy in year strikes Co Mayo family as dad dies abroad after daughter’s death & baby’s cancer diagnosis
Tommy Duggan will be laid to rest in the same church that his beloved daughter’s funeral was held last June
A “DEVOTED dad and husband” has died abroad just a year after the death of his three-year-old and the diagnosis of his one-year-old with cancer.
The Co Mayo family were in Utrecht in the Netherlands for a life-saving bone marrow transplant for baby Eabha when dad Tommy Duggan died.
A death notice shared on Rip.ie said the family were “heartbroken to announce” his death.
It read: “Beloved husband of Martina and devoted father to Éabha and Saoirse.
“Tommy was predeceased by his precious daughter Saoirse, whose loss he bore with immense love and strength.
“They will now be forever together in heaven. Tommy will be forever loved and deeply missed by his heartbroken wife and daughter.”
The notice continued: “A man of boundless positivity and kindness, Tommy’s light will live on in all who knew and loved him.”
Oscar’s Kids, a charity which supports children with cancer, shared their shock at the news of Tommy’s death.
They said on social media: “We are so deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of devoted husband and Dad Tommy Duggan who was one of our Oscar’s Kids parents.”
The charity had supported tragic Saoirse until her death in June 2025 and has continued to support one-year-old Eabha.
They said that just weeks after Saoirse’s passing from Leukemia, baby Eabha was found to have the same genetic condition which caused her sister’s cancer.
The charity said: “The family were in the Netherlands for a bone marrow transplant over Christmas and we were hoping to do something nice for them on their return.
“We send our deepest condolences and strength to Martina and little Eabha and to all Tommy’s family and friends.
“We hope the deep love of this devoted family will shine ever the brighter in the face of such a terrible tragedy.”
‘BRAVE GIRL’
Saoirse passed just a few months after she was made an honorary garda by the Little Blues Heroes foundation, a charity run by garda volunteers.
After her passing, Gardai said: “Our hearts are saddened to hear that one of our Little Blue Heroes in Mayo, Honorary Garda Saoirse Duggan passed away peacefully after a long illness so bravely borne, leaving behind her devastated parents Tommy and Martina and sister Eabha.
“Her laughter, spirit, and her gentle soul touched everyone who knew her.
“Saoirse’s time with us was far too short, but her impact was immeasurable
A Requiem Mass for Tommy Duggan will be held today at Bekan Church, Claremorris, Co Mayo.
It is the same church that Saoirse’s funeral was held at in June last year.
A fundraiser has been organised to fund baby Eabha’s care, you can donate here.
