Tributes paid to popular County Derry teacher following sudden death

Tributes have been paid to a County Derry primary school teacher who passed away suddenly earlier this week. 

Imelda Bannon, who was a teacher at St Eoghan’s Primary School in Moneyneena, died on Monday, August 4. 

Announcing the Swatragh woman’s death, a joint statement from school principal Paschal Diamond and the Chair of Board of Governors Brian McGuigan read: “It is with a sense of profound and deep sadness that we share the news with our school family and community of the loss of our very dear friend, colleague and beloved teacher, Mrs Imelda Bannon. 

“We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Robert and their four beautiful children as well as her entire close family circle. May her gentle soul rest safe in the arms of Jesus. 

“Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dhílis.”

A death notice states that Mrs Bannon was the ‘beloved wife of Robert and loving mother of Éadaon, Bróna, Oisín and Áine’. 

She was also the ‘beloved daughter of Marian and the late Fergal McFlynn and much adored sister of Paul (Roisin), Gemma (Gareth) and Oran (Catherine) and a much loved aunt’.

Ms Bannon was the ‘daughter-in-law of Bernadette and the late Sandy Bannon and sister-in-law of Raymond, Patrick and Maria’. 

The mum-of-four’s funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed. 

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to the popular teacher. 

One person described Mrs Bannon’s death as ‘a truly devastating loss for all in St. Eoghan’s’. 

“Mrs Bannon was a soft, gentle and beautiful person who brought out the very best in every child she taught. Her warmth and presence were a gift to the entire school community, and she will be missed more than words can say. Praying for her family, friends, colleagues, and all the pupils who loved her.”

Another parent wrote: “Such a lovely, kind, beautiful woman that we were so lucky to have as a teacher to our children at St.Eoghan’s. May God watch over your husband, children, family and all the school community at this awful time.”

Imelda’s local club Michael Davitt GAC in Swatragh also paid tribute saying: “The committee and members of Michael Davitt GAC Swatragh would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the Bannon and McFlynn families on the death of Imelda. Our Pitch Coordinator Robert (Rab), Vice-chairperson Paul, our former senior hurler Oran, Imelda’s children Éadaon, Bróna, Oisín and Áine and the wider Bannon and McFlynn families are in our thoughts and prayers. Our Lady, Queen of the Gael, pray for her.”