On May 25, 2025, the vibrant community of Ennis, County Clare, was filled with deep sadness at the tragic passing of Olivia Tuohy, a cherished 24-year-old Irish athlete.
Olivia, who had just completed the Edinburgh Half-Marathon Festival, left behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and an infectious zest for life.
Born in January 2001 to her devoted parents, Elizabeth (Liz) and Kieran Tuohy, Olivia’s story is one of love, community, and a life lived fully, even in its shortness.
Olivia grew up in the heart of Ennis, a charming town in the Midwest of Ireland known for its tight-knit community and rich cultural heritage.
Raised alongside her older brother Stephen, Olivia was surrounded by the love and support of her parents, Liz and Kieran.
Her father, Kieran, a proud alumnus of Rice College in Ennis, established in Olivia a deep connection to her hometown.
Following in his footsteps, Olivia also attended Rice College, where she began to shine as a spirited and determined young woman.
At Rice College, Olivia’s bright personality and natural athleticism began to take shape.
Friends and teachers remember her as someone who could light up a room with her smile and boundless energy.
Whether on the sports field or in the classroom, Olivia’s enthusiasm was contagious, and she quickly became a beloved figure among her peers.
A Journey To Edinburgh
Olivia’s thirst for knowledge and adventure led her to Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she pursued her studies with the same passion she brought to everything else.
Edinburgh became a second home for Olivia, a place where she forged new friendships and immersed herself in the rich student life.
@oliviatuohy19 🥂’21
♬ original sound – Olivia Tuohy
Her TikTok account, a window into her world, was filled with joyful moments shared with family and friends, both in Ireland and Scotland.
Her videos showcased her bubbly personality, often capturing her laughing with her loved ones or cheering on her teammates.
Athletics were very important in Olivia’s life, and she was a proud member of the Clare Ladies Gaelic Football team.
Her teammates described her as a fierce competitor with a heart of gold.
On the field, Olivia’s energy and dedication were unmatched, but it was her kindness and camaraderie off the field that truly defined her.
Following her passing, the Clare Ladies Gaelic Football team shared a heartfelt tribute:
Olivia’s impact on her team was immeasurable, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who played alongside her.
A Love That Lit Up Lives
In Edinburgh, Olivia found love with her partner, Michael De Luca.
Their relationship was a source of joy for both, and Michael’s parents, Maria-Elena and Steven, welcomed Olivia into their family with open arms.
Together, Olivia and Michael built a life filled with shared dreams and quiet moments of happiness.
Whether exploring the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh or visiting family back in Ennis, their bond was a testament to Olivia’s ability to love deeply and fully.
Olivia’s family was her anchor.
Her parents, Liz and Kieran, were her biggest cheerleaders, always supporting her dreams, from her athletic pursuits to her studies abroad.
Her brother, Stephen, and his partner, Laura, shared a close bond with Olivia, filled with laughter and shared memories.
Her friends, both in Ireland and Edinburgh, were like family too, drawn to her warmth and genuine kindness.
From Ennis to Edinburgh, her love for family, Gaelic football, and her ability to uplift others will define her lasting legacy.
As Ennis and Edinburgh mourn this remarkable young woman, Olivia’s family and friends find solace in their cherished memories.
She is survived by her parents, Elizabeth and Kieran Tuohy, her brother, Stephen, and her partner, Laura, as well as her loving partner, Michael De Luca, his parents, Maria-Elena and Steven, and her extended family and many friends, who will carry her memory forward.
In the words of those who knew her best, Olivia was a bright and beautiful soul, and her light will shine on in the hearts of all who loved her.
May she rest in peace.
