School teacher and talented sportswoman Caina Healey
Caina Healey was described as “full of life” who “had so many talents” and was a celebrated athlete.
She died after she was struck by a car while cycling to work in Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi last week.
The 35-year-old was a former pupil of St Cecilia’s College in Derry.
She had been living in the Middle East for several years, working as a teacher most recently Amity International School in Abu Dhabi.
Opening the funeral service at St Eugene’s Cathedral in the city for the young cyclist and tri-athlete, Fr Carrol said: “It makes no sense and seems wrong.
“An incredible athlete, a caring teacher and a loving friend to many, Caina was a shining light that left us far too soon.
“Caina inspired others to live their lives to the full. It was clear through the students she coached and taught that she was so generous with her time and talents.
“A lifeguard, an Irish dancer and cyclist, Caina loved children and was a real competitor. Although humble, Caina loved to win – no challenge was too big of her.
“She brought so much joy, was full of life and had such a big heart.”
Tributes included readings from her friends, as well as a reading of Proverbs 3:3 and John 14:1, with the second letter of Paul to Timothy also read at the service.
During her time in the Middle East, Caina was also a member of various sporting groups in the Middle East, including the Al Reef group and the TriBelles.
Those gathered in Derry heard how she didn’t “get to finish the race” of her life, but “fought the good fight to the end”.
“Caina never did anything in fast measures, she was a gift from God. Her life instead was abruptly stopped.”
Her family also paid tribute to the volunteers who were able to arrange for the younger teacher’s remains to return home to Derry from Abu Dhabi “so quickly”, meaning they were able to see her before the service.
Derry born teacher and triathlete Caina Healey who has tragically died after being hit by a car
while cycling to work
“That is why we were are here, we are here to put death in its place.”
Renditions of the songs ‘Softly and Tenderly’ and ‘Guardian Angel From Heaven So Bright’ were also performed in tribute to the PE teacher.
Following Requiem Mass, Ms Healey was laid to rest in the City Cemetery.
The Irish Embassy in the UAE previously paid tribute to the young teacher and said they were “devastated by the loss of a dear member of our community in Abu Dhabi”.
Principal of Amity International School Adrian Frost said she had “an immense impact on the lives of her students and colleagues” with many of her students attributing their achievements and character to teaching.
While the Al Reef group said Caina was its only female memberwho had a “beautiful energy” and was “always smiling”.
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