Tributes have been paid to a well-known Co Fermanagh woman who fought her battle with cancer with “dignity and courage”.

Tanya Dunne from Belleek died on Wednesday at the age of 42 after a brave battle with colon cancer.

A fundraiser to treat Tanya in Mexico has raised more than £100,000 since it was launched last October.

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Close friend Jemma McGowan, who herself is battling terminal cancer, paid tribute to Tanya, saying the couple got through tough times with each other’s help.

“The entire Bundoran and Belleek community is shocked and saddened by the loss of our beautiful friend,” Jemma told The Postedia.

“I cannot imagine the pain her husband and family are feeling right now, because I only know the pain I feel physically. My heart is really breaking and I have never felt anything like it.

“She was part of our family and when she came into our house, it just felt like she was part of the furniture, as they say. I have no words to describe how much she will be missed in our home by Clive and I, but also by our children.

“Tanya was always smiling and always so cheerful and positive. She was always up for fun and laughter.

“Tanya was a colorful, cheerful, genuinely happy woman who loved life. She was a wonderful friend and anyone blessed enough to have her in their life will tell you the same thing. Her heart was pure gold.”

A keen GAA player, Tanya has been dubbed the “prettiest bubble girl” by her hometown club, Erne Gaels.

“We are saddened, devastated and saddened to hear of the sad passing of Tanya Dunne, nee O Shea, earlier this morning,” the club said in a social media post.

“Tanya was a senior checkers player for the club and has been a fantastic supporter over the years. She has fought her battles with dignity and courage for the past two years.

“Tanya has played for a number of GAA clubs over the years and before her diagnosis returned to play women’s football here with Erne Gaels. Her brave battle is finally over and she is reunited with her father.

“No amount of words will be enough to talk about Tanya, when something needed to be done or help was needed, Tanya was the first to help.

“She was the sweetest, vivacious girl and always had a smile on her face whenever you saw her.”

Tanya’s funeral will take place on Friday, with the cortege leaving her childhood home in Belleek at 12pm for the funeral service at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Bundoran.

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