Chalk Talk: Family, friends, classmates and staff at Colaiste Rioga gather to remember Emma

Coláiste Ríoga held a deeply moving and reflective occasion to honour the life of much-loved student and friend Emma Cooke-Tiernan.

Family, friends, classmates and staff gathered around Emma’s memorial garden to remember and celebrate the person she was and the impact she had on those around her.

School Principal Declan Clarke gave a heartfelt tribute, speaking about Emma’s laughter, her kindness and how her smile could brighten any room.

Her presence touched the lives of so many within the school community, and her memory continues to live on among those who knew and loved her.

Red ribbons were hung on Emma’s tree as a symbol of remembrance, with red chosen because it was Emma’s favourite colour. The tree itself also holds a special meaning. It represents Emma’s kindness and her love towards animals and, significantly, will bear fruit during the winter.

Among those gathered were Emma’s tutor group, now in Fifth Year. A close-knit class, they continue to remember their much-loved friend and classmate.

Emma will always be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and never forgotten at Coláiste Ríoga.