Funeral arrangements for Derry teacher Caina Healey announced

The funeral of teacher and athlete Caina Healey will take place in Derry this week.

Caina tragically died in a cycling accident in the United Arab Emirates last Wednesday (March 15).

The 35-year-old’s remains will repose at her late family home at Mount Street from Wednesday afternoon, March 22.

Requiem Mass will take place at St Eugene’s Cathedral at 10am on Friday morning, March 24, before she is laid to rest in the City Cemetery.

A family notice reads: “Beloved daughter of Brian and Nuala. Loving sister of Maureen and Mark. A much loved partner of Lauren.

“Dearest sister-in-law of Niamh and a precious aunty to Baby Fiachra. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by all of her wider family circle, friends and neighbours both in Derry and in Abu Dhabi.

“Donations in lieu of flowers to be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.”

The PE teacher, who had lived in the Middle East for several years, was struck by a car while cycling to work in Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi last Wednesday.

The Irish Embassy in the UAE said: “We are devastated by the loss of a dear member of our community in Abu Dhabi, Caina Healey.

“An incredible athlete, a caring teacher and a loving friend to many. Caina was a shining light that left us far too soon.”

Adrian Frost, principal of Amity International School where she worked, said Ms Healy “had an immense impact on the lives of her students and colleagues”.

“Many of her students attribute their achievements, their character and their values to the instruction and coaching that they received from her,” he added.

“Over the past three days, I have heard affirmations from all over the city of the high regard in which she was held. The loss we feel is keenly felt not just within our own school community, but all across the city.”

Ms Healey was well known in the Abu Dhabi triathlon scene and had qualified to represent the UAE in the half Ironman World Championships in Finland later this year.

She was also an accomplished swimmer, Irish dancer and football player.

The UAE Triathlon Federation paid tribute to Ms Healey and described her as a “remarkable athlete who set the bar high for female triathletes."
They wrote: "We remember her as a tenacious competitor who always pushed herself to the limit and inspired others to do the same.

"Caina recently placed 3rd in the Bahrain Half Ironman, 1st in the Muscat Half Ironman relay, and had qualified to represent Team UAE in the Half Ironman World Championship 2023.

"Caina was an exceptional educator who touched the lives of many students, and her passing is a great loss to Amity International School and the community.

"Her passion and dedication to education were evident in the way she inspired and supported her pupils, giving her time freely and regularly going above and beyond. Her contributions to the school's sports program were invaluable.

"It is saddening to think that such a kind and generous person could be taken from us so unexpectedly.

"The absence of Caina will undoubtedly be felt by the entire triathlon and education community. However, her spirit, legacy, and the positive impact she had on so many lives will endure."

Many mourners, from both Derry and UAE who knew and loved Caina, paid tribute to her including her former school, St Cecelia's.

They wrote: "We have been deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and untimely death of a past pupil, Caina Healey.

"Caina was a popular student who lived out the school motto every day. As a keen sports woman she proudly represented the school at swimming, running and triathlons.

"As an educator and sports woman she has touched the hearts of many, including ours. 

"On behalf of the entire school community we send our condolences to her family and friends as they navigate this very difficult time. May her gentle soul rest in peace."