THE funeral is due to take place tomorrow of a seven-year-old Co Antrim girl who died from suspected meningitis.
Brónagh Kinney from Cushendall is understood to have taken ill last week. She passed away in her mother's arms at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast on Monday.
A P4 pupil at Glenann Primary School, she was due to make her First Holy Communion later this year.
Requiem Mass for the little girl will be celebrated at St Mary's Church, Cushendall at 11am.
Parish priest Fr Luke McWilliams said the community was rallying around her distraught family.
"It is all very sad, her family are obviously devastated by what has happened," he said.
"We will give them as much support as we can, the community is already rallying around them.
"She was a good wee girl, she was due to make her First Communion this year, she was really looking forward to it."
A keen camogie player, GAA clubs across the Glens have paid tribute to the young girl.
Cushendall Camogie Club, where Brónagh was an under-eight player, said it was "saddened" by her sudden death.
"We would like to extend our sympathy to the entire Kinney family at this sad time," it said.
Ruairí Òg hurling and camogie club in Cushendall also expressed its condolences following the "tragic news".
"Brónagh was a P4 pupil at Glenann Primary School in the Glens of Antrim village and was due to make her First Holy Communion in a few months' time," the club said.
"The thoughts and prayers of the entire club is with the Kinney Family circle at this very sad time."
The Glens Youth Club said it was "saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our junior member Bronagh".
Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane also said: "I am heartbroken to hear of the death of Brónagh Kinney who has been taken from her family at just 7 years old.
"The youngest of five children, this is an awful tragedy for the Kinney family, some of whom I know.
"The tight-knit communities of the Glens, Carey and Ballycastle understandably feel the shock of this tragedy deeply and will no doubt rally round the family in the time ahead."
Brónagh is survived by her parents Shane and Gina and siblings Michael, Clodagh, Liam and Niall.
