News of Aisling's tragic death rocked the extended Westmeath GAA family. The 23-year-old care assistant's life was cruelly taken from her the week before Christmas on the Ballymahon Road out of Mullingar after a tree fell on her car during strong winds. Poignantly, she was en route to Shaw's Funeral Home to offer her sympathy to the family of one of the residents of Newbrook Nursing Home she had cared for. 

There were heart-rending scenes at Aisling's Funeral Mass in Ballymore on Sunday, December 22 as hundreds of mourners paid their final respects to the much-loved young woman.

Aisling, who is survived by her parents Gerry and Geraldine, and her two brothers Owen and Brendan, was actively involved in the GAA in both a playing and administrative capacity. She was right half back on the Loughnavalley team which won the junior championship for the first time in 2010. Aisling also lined out at left half forward in last year's junior final, which the 'Valley lost to Ballycomoyle.

As a mark of respect, the club has decided to stand down the number 12 jersey - which they presented to her family - this year. Aisling was also involved with the Fr Dalton's hurling club, of which she was assistant secretary. Indeed, during her time as Fr. Dalton's secretary, she was always extremely helpful to us here when it came to the task of producing the Westmeath GAA Yearbook.