Dolores O'Donnell

Mic and Èabha, I was so shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news. Dolores was such a vibrant person I can't imagine her not being here anymore. I'm so sorry to have missed the funeral to send my condolences in person and say goodbye. I am thinking of you all and sending you positive wishes and strength at this dark time. A light has truly gone out. I will think of Dolores as just "popped to France" rather than gone.

Love and strength, Heather
(from METNS and the mobile)

Dear Michael and Eabha we write to you to express our sympathy on the loss of your gorgeous Dolores . I don’t know whether you remember Joe who was in METNS . He met with Dolores 4 days a week for a couple of years and they worked in all sorts of creative ways . They had a great relationship . Thank you for sharing Dolores with us and with the community of METNS . Deepest Sympathies from all our family

What a shock to hear that Dolores is no longer with us! Such a realization about a friend who was living life to the full and, I would have assumed, had so much more living to do.
I can only imagine the devastation it is to Mick and Éabha, as well as to Tom, Cathy, Yvonne and all family. My heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Dolores was such a wonderful person, so positive and warm to all she met. As a former colleague in The Ark, I remember how beautifully she encouraged and guided the children as she worked with them. Her passion for the arts in general was an inspiration to all around.
I will miss that glow and enthusiasm that Dolores had whenever we chatted about exhibitions, readings, gigs, different cultures, countries and on and on.
Go maire sí i ngroíthe gach duine a bhí i dteangmhail lei, agus go mór mór le Mick agus Éabha.
May she rest in peace.

Dear Mick and Éabha,
My sincere condolences for your heartbreaking loss.
Dolores was a fabulous person, I think I am one of few that got to get to know her as both her student and colleague. Her creativity and caring that she brought to all around her as a teacher and the compassion and support that she showed as a colleague was exceptional. She will be incredibly missed by us all.

I am so sad to hear of Dolores's passing. Gone far too soon. My deepest
sympathies to her family especially to Mick and Eabha-sending all my love. I was so fortunate to work alongside Dolores for a period, she was so wise with a wonderful presence. I will always remember the kindness she showed me and I will be forever grateful to her for the significant part she played in supporting my career. Thank you so much Dolores xx

Our condolences to you Mick & Éabha.

So sorry for your loss.

I had the privilege of participating with Dolores in various programmes at IMMA in the past and was thrilled when she joined the Volunteer Programme at NGI. In a couple of brief chats with her, she did what she always did - fired me with enthusiasm for possible projects that we might undertake there. Sadly it wasn't to be and I want to extend my sincere sympathy to Michael and Éabha on Dolores' untimely death - she had so much to give. I hope the esteem in which she was held by those who had contact with her, however brief, will be some comfort to you at this sad and lonely time.

Dearest Dolores,
No matter what you did in life you did it with style. You’re the only woman I know who could make a fashion statement even in your pajamas. Fly high Dolores. You will be forever in our hearts.
Love & Hugs to Michael, Eabha, and the rest of the O’Donnell family.

Sending you love and condolences, Eabha and Mick, at this really sad time. Dolores will be so missed by us all. Her zest, creativity, warmth and positivity were remarkable and I valued her friendship so much.

To Tom and family, sincere condolences on the passing of your lovely sister. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

Dear Mick, I was so sorry to hear that your wife, Dolores, has passed away. My deepest sympathies to you and your daughter at this tough time. My thoughts are with you both, Katie

We're all very sorry to hear of Dolores' passing.
She was a lovely lady & a great teacher.
May she rest in peace.

Dear Mick & Eabha
Sending you heartfelt condolences on your huge loss. There are no words, but you have wonderful memories and the warmth of love that will be with you forever.
Lots of love Roisin and Greg xxxx

Our deepest sympathies to all of Dolores' family and friends on her passing. Rest in peace
(Friends of The Doyle family)

Really sorry and sad to hear this news about Dolores.I’ve had the privilege to have worked with her these past 23 years at METNS she was an amazing teacher and the children loved her ..she brought smiles and funny humour to all she will be missed :( sending hugs and prayers to all of you xx Maria

Sincere condolences to the O’Donnell family and to Michael and Éabha on the sad passing of your beloved Dolores.
May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

So sorry to hear the sad news of your sisters death Tom. Thinking of you, Elaine and all the family at this time. Go gentle

Sincere condolences to Michael and Éabha on the sad loss of a wonderful wife and mother. Thinking of you both and the extended family at this sad time. Kieron and Aileen (Brennan)

I first encountered Dolores during her time at The Children’s Cultural Centre, THE ARK. We bonded over the Exhibition Poetry Animals & Trees.
There was a sense of Dèja vu to our meeting and our mutual love of the Arts.

I jumped for joy when a few years later I learned she was to join the school staff at METS, and the huge creative staff already there.
It was a perfect marriage.

She loved her class 5/6th and they in turn adored her.

She was a natural leader, a born teacher bursting with creativity and could be a force to be reckoned with when she decided on a direction!

At that time, I ran the arts programme at METS and Dalkey. What could’ve been a clash turned into a meeting of minds and we could often be seen leaning against the wall after school in our tiny school discussing, dreaming and hatching ideas for artistic expression in the classroom.
Ones life always felt fuller after a sharing of ideas with Dolores.
We are all the richer for you having touched our lives.

Oh Supernova ~ we will miss you but there is so much to celebrate in a life lived to the fullest.
Your rich legacy lives on.

Mick & Eabha~ all Dolores’s roads led back to you.
You were her raison d’être.

Dolores was truly a remarkable person and helped me a lot when I started teaching.
Passionate and full of creativity.
My deepest sympathies to Mick and Éabha and all her family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Deepest sympathy to you Michael and Eabha on Dolores passing. Thinking of you at this very sad time. May she rest in peace.

My sincerest condolences to Mick and Éabha on the loss of your darling Dolores.
I had the joy of working with Dolores in METNS for many years and I hold such fond memories of her during this time. She brought such energy, excitement and creativity to the school and inspired so many students and teachers alike. She enjoyed life to the full and brought joy into every thing she did.
I met her in Paris 2 years ago when we had just gotten engaged and I will treasure this wonderful and special memory forever. She was so full of love for us both.
We are all shocked at her sudden passing but hopefully these beautiful memories will help and support everyone, especially Mick and Éabha. She loved you both so much 💗

Dear Michael and Eabha,

We were very privileged to have had Dolores in Educate Together, all my children loved her, they all remember her with joy and happiness and say that she was always very kind to them.

Once I talked to her about going to Paris she very kindly recommended a place for me to stay, I remember her enthusiasm telling me, I have stayed there a few times since and it was a wonderful place! I always think of her generosity sharing it and her memories of it with me. She was a beautiful, brilliant lady.

Yours sincerely, Anne Considine, Martin, Oliver, Sam and Clara.

Heartfelt condolences to Mick, Éabha, and all of the O' Donnell family on the recent passing of Dolores. It was a pleasure to know Dolores- always full of colour and positivity. I am deeply inspired by the courage, grace and dignity in which Dolores lived with her illness- a beautiful example for us all, on how we should try to live and cope with our struggles in life. Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí di- Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal dílis 🙏

I was saddened to hear of Dolores passing, she was such a kind woman who went out of her way to help myself and my friends with mindfulness during our time in METNS, as she did with many other students because that is the sort of caring person she was. I was so lucky to have met her and I'm so very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace

Dear Yvonne and family, sending you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful sister and friend X

To Éabha and Mick, our deepest condolences on your loss. Her creativity and care lit up every classroom she was in. Thinking of you both.

Sincerest Sympathies to you Michael and Eabha! The brightness of Delores will definitely linger and endure! May she rest in peace🙏🏻 Stephanie & Liam

So sorry Tom Elaine and family to hear of the death of your dear sister Dolores. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Mick, thinking of you and Eabha at this very difficult time at the passing of Dolores. Cherish all your wonderful memories.

Aidan & Elton.

Mick & Eabha - heartbroken to hear the sad news. Dolores was such a beautiful lady lots of fun & such a creative mind. She enjoyed life to the full was a joy to be with. May she rest in peace

Dear Yvonne

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.

My deepest condolences Mick and Éabha on the passing of Dolores
remembering our Saturday mornings in Andersons and of course Paris.

Dear Michael and Éabha, my deepest condolences to you both at this very difficult time. Dolores was such a thoughtful and kind person who lit up every room and made everyone there feel very special.

Eabha and Mick we are so sorry to hear the sad news about Dolores. She was always so full of life and energy as a Mum but also as a huge part of the METNS community, and while I was on the board with her she showed how the educate together ethos was core to her values, opinions and actions. She had too short a life but in that time had a big impact. We are thinking of you and her. Ziene and Se

It was a pleasure and a privilege to know and work with Dolores in the very early years of The Ark when she was one of the first seconded primary teachers who lent such pedagogical intelligence and child development knowledge to the direction and delivery of the centre's initial programming. And that was but the base line, for Dolores also brought a political commitment to unlocking and enhancing the creativity of all children and a great love of the visual arts and of literature (poetry especially). She literally sparkled: her eyes, her wit, her peals of laughter and high good humour were infectious. In many ways she was the most excitable child in the building, gushing enthusiasm about a new discovery, recounting an anecdote, greeting a new group, facilitating an artist. She disembarked too early for reasons beyond her control and she was much missed, just as now and in a similarly inexplicable way she has disembarked this life far too early and will be sorely missed and grieved over. To her family, to Michael and to Éabha – of whom she was SO proud – sincere condolences on your unimaginable loss. Go softly in your grief.

I am so sorry to hear about the sad passing of Dolores. I sat behind her in secondary school - St. John of Gods - on the Kilmore road, for many years, and she was a lovely lovely person. The world is a sadder place with the loss of Dolores

Deepest sympathies to Michael, Eabhe and family on the sad passing of Dolores. She will be much missed by the Gallery Volunteers. May Del rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to you Michael and Eabha on the sad and untimely passing of Dolores it was a pleasure to have know her ,she was a lady in every sense of the word. Rest in Peace Dolores.

My deepest sympathy to Michael and family on the passing of Dolores, may she rest in peace 😔

My condolences to Dolores’s family . Live well lived & bravely fought. RIP

Our heartfelt condolences to Mick and Eabha on your loss. Dolores was always so full of fun and energy, bringing that extra sparkle to everything she did. Sorry we can’t be there as we are away on holidays. RIP Dolores

Our deepest sympathies to Michael and Eabha on the death of Dolores. May she Rest in Peace
Michael and Vanessa

Sincerest condolences to Michael, Éabha and extended family. Words fail most of us on the passing of Delores. Her kind and gentle demeaner was what we'll always remember. Delores' calm way with children was especially notable. Her absence will leave a large unfillable gap to those who knew and loved her. To Michael and Éabha, her loss will surely be enormous. I hope you both eventually find solace. Rest in eternal peace, Delores. Your kindness and love for others will be your legacy.

Our deepest sympathy to Michael and Eabha on Dolores's death

Michael and Vanessa

It’s hard to put into words what Dolores meant to the people around her. As a colleague, she brought warmth, wisdom, and a deep love for her work and her students.

Her creativity was boundless — from her love of art to the beautiful way she expressed herself in everything she did. She had an eye for beauty, a brilliant mind, and a heart that always made space for others.

She leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of compassion, creativity, and care that will echo through the halls of METNS for years to come.

With deepest sympathy and gratitude,
Dervla (Bergin), Richy & Isabelle

Mick,

So sorry to hear of the very sad and untimely passing of your beloved Dolores. Condolences to you, Eabha and all your family on your heartbreaking loss. Mick, you always spoke so lovingly of your beloved Del. Thoughts and prayers with you, Eabha and your family at this very sad time. May Dolores rest in serenity and peace, always in your hearts 💕

Dolores lived and breathed creativity — it was in everything she did, from the way she dressed to the way she saw the world. She once shared this quote, and it couldn’t capture her essence more perfectly:

“I think everything in life is Art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party! Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is Art.”
— Helena Bonham Carter

Dolores didn’t just agree with this — she lived it. Every part of her was a reflection of this belief. Even in the smallest moments, she turned life into art.

Dolores — you were one in a million.

With lots of love to Mick, Éabha & all her family & friends now & always,

Emer (Bergin) Kolin, Levi & Aela xxx

Deepest condolences to all who mourn Dolores on their huge loss . Especially her family , and all her steadfast friends .
We were fortunate to encounter her sparkling presence through our brother , Charles.
We grieve for you .
The Slane family .

Dear Micheal and Eabha I had the pleasure of working with Dolores as part of the Volunteer Programme at the National Gallery of Ireland. she will be sadly missed by the Volunteers and the Gallery team. She was a joy to be around, and a integral part of the Volunteer Programme. May she rest in peace. Sile Boylan ( ex NGI )

All our thoughts are with and Éabha at this very difficult time. God bless.

Deepest condolences to Michael and Éabha on passing of your beloved Wife and Mother. May Dolores rest in eternal Peace.

Our most heart felt condolence to you Mick and Eabha. May your adoring love for each other and your daughter, bring you strength. May Dolores rest in peace.

Mick and Éabha, We are so very sad to hear that Dolores died. Our sincere condolences. Thinking of you both during this very difficult time.
Patricia, Dave and family.

So very sad to hear this news. Dolores always lit up the room with her stories and her warmth. She was so much fun to be around and we always loved having a chat or sharing a joke with her in our time working together in METNS. Sending love to Mick and Éabha at this sad time.

Dear Mick and Éabha
Sending our deepest sympathy to you both from the other side of the world. Dolores was such a vibrant and creative person, taken from you too soon. We were shocked to hear the news.
So sorry we will not be able to extend our sympathy in person as we are in Australia.
Warmest wishes
Miriam and Val

Dear Michael, Èabha and all the family,

As a past pupil of METNS, I would like to extend my deep condolences to you all. I am deeply saddened to hear of her very untimely passing.
May she rest in peace

Dearest Éabha, Michael and to all O'Donnell family, we are so so saddened on hearing of Delores's passing, taken away too soon. She will always be remembered as a beautiful, caring, intelligent, artistic and kind person. May Delores rest in peace. Love to you all.

Mick and Éabha, we are truly heartbroken. A light has gone out for us all.
Sending you and your family our love and condolences.

Mick & Éabha, Yvonne, Cathy & Todd.... It makes no sense, aside from the sadness and anger. it's confusing; wrong. Del epitomised 'Joi De Vivre', she was effervescent, she shone. How can she suddenly not? Our hearts are broken even though we were distant; we can't imagine how you all must be grieving. But that's the price we pay for love, for having that for decades and the memories that we'll carry always. A heavy price but worth it, for the smiles and laughter that she'll bring everyone she ever met for decades to come, for all the hundreds of lives she helped to mold. Thank you Del and thank you Kellys for sharing her with us.