Dundalk mourns passing of former soccer and GAA player Sonia Hoey

The local community is in mourning today following the passing of former soccer and GAA star Sonia Hoey, following a long illness.

Sonia was a talented sports star, having scored the winning goal for Dundalk in the 2005 Women’s FAI Cup final against Peamount United at Lansdowne Road, captaining the Dundalk IT football team, alongside playing GAA with Dowdallshill before she went on to play with the Louth Senior GAA team.

Following a long struggle with cancer, having been first diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in February 2019, she passed away peacefully at the Louth County Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Tributes have been passed from across the local community following her passing. Mourning her passing, Dundalk FC said on social media that "we were all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former women's team player Sonia Hoey.

"Sonia wrote her name into the history books when she scored the winning goal for Dundalk City in the 2005 Women’s FAI Cup final against Peamount United at Lansdowne Road. RIP, Sonia."

The League of Ireland expressed its sympathies to Sonia's family and friends, saying "Sonia etched herself into the history books scoring the winner for Dundalk in the Women's FAI Cup Final in 2005 at Lansdowne Road. A wonderful person, and brilliant footballer, Sonia will be missed by all."

Rock Celtic FC shared its thoughts on Facebook on Wednesday night saying that "everyone at Rock Celtic send their deepest condolences to Serena McArdle and the Hoey Family on the passing of dear Sonia. Sonia played with our ladies team back in 2014. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time."

Dowdallshill GF & AC, where Sonia played Gaelic football, mourned her passing on Wednesday night, saying that "the Club wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to the Hoey and McArdle families, on the passing of former Dowdallshill GF & AC Ladies player Sonia Hoey.

"Sonia was part of the Louth Junior FC winning team of 2012 and Intermediate 2013. She also represented the County, and as well as her Gaelic skills, she was also a noted soccer player, scoring Dundalk City's winning goal in their FAI Cup Final victory of 2005. Ar dheas dé go raibh a h-anam."

Sonia will be reposing at her family home, 212 Ard Easmuinn from 3pm-8pm on both Thursday and Friday of this week. Her removal is on Saturday at 10.40am, proceeding on foot to the Church of the Holy Redeemer, arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.