It is with the deepest of sadness that we share news of the passing of our dear friend our comrade in calling for change and powerful patient advocate Niamh Conroy.

All of us at the Marie Keating Foundation who have had the privilege of knowing and spending time with Niamh are heartbroken by her loss.

From campaigns, to seminars, events, social gatherings and even for some of our team, witnessing the love between Niamh and her husband Gearoid as they renewed their wedding vows this year, we shared in so many important milestones.

We have stood with Niamh in loss as we said goodbye to fellow advocates and friends also gone too soon before her

We feel honoured and proud to have shared in all of these moments and memories, in friendship, advocacy, sadness, celebration and joy.

Our entire team and board send our deepest condolences to her adored husband Gearóid and four beautiful children, Sebastien, Evie, Amelie, and Gabbi.

Niamh was a powerhouse of knowledge, support, and action. She was an inspiration to all who bore witness to and stood alongside her as she strived to make a difference when it came to Bowel Cancer awareness, treatment, policy, and change. Niamh was also a fierce champion of others, a friend who could be trusted and relied on for honest advice, compassion, and support.

Niamh had a smile that could light up any room and make you feel so lucky to be in her presence. She had an energy that was unrivalled and could achieve more in 15 minutes than some of us could achieve in a day!

She never stopped supporting, advising, and advocating up until the end.

Niamh was one of the founding members of The Irish Colorectal Cancer Community, now Bowel Cancer Ireland.

This community and founding members Niamh, Patricia Stack, Clodagh Downing and Dee Flemming along with Michael Murphy were the inspiration behind our powerful #NoRegrets campaign in April 2023 inspired by these young people facing an incurable cancer that if caught early, is very treatable. Sadly, now four of these original ambassadors have passed, highlighting with such profound loss the need for change.

We remember Patricia, Clodagh, and Michael today too along with Jane Mc Coy who featured prominently in our 2024 campaign and Mary Barnes. All  core members of Bowel Cancer Ireland and advocates for change.

With the support of our Director of Nursing, Helen Forristal, Niamh was a much-loved member of our Positive Living community where she forged the strongest of friendships. “We are all the better for having known Niamh – a lady of great courage and resilience who found the good in all that came her way. Sleep well gentle Niamh – and hugs from all your friends – it is never easy to lose one of your own”

It was within this group and these very friendships that led to the development of Bowel Cancer Ireland. Finding community within other patient advocates, all living with advanced cancer and acknowledging the need for more recognition, resources and supports for people with Bowel Cancer in Ireland, particularly those diagnosed under the age of 50.

Outside of her support to campaigns, seminars and advocacy with the Foundation and Bowel Cancer Ireland, Niamh also worked with DICE (European Stage), IPOSSI, Cancer Trials Ireland, UCAN, RCSI and more. Only six weeks ago she took to the stage at the Patients, Bowels, Basics and Breakthroughs Bowel Cancer conference organised by RCSI.

Above all else Niamh was a beloved wife, life partner and mother. Her love for her husband and children, the joy they shared as a family was a gift to behold.

Niamh has made a positive impact on so many, beyond even those who knew and loved her. Her legacy and that extraordinary energy will live on in every single person blessed by her light, the light that gave so generously and lovingly and the domino effect of her work.

May Niamh Rest in Peace.