Foreign Affairs Minister's young daughter dies in hospital
The youngest daughter of Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, has died today.
Seven-year-old Léana Martin passed away peacefully at Great Ormonde Street Hospital in London this afternoon, after a short illness.
Her parents and family were at her bedside.
Micheál and Mary Martin say they are heartbroken at the loss of their daughter, describing her as "a beautiful light" in their lives.
Mr Martin and his wife have one other daughter and two sons.
It is understood Léana was admitted to Crumlin Children’s Hospital on October 11 and transferred to Great Ormond Street earlier this week.
They live in Ballinlough in west Cork.
President Mary McAleese said she was deeply saddened by the news of the death.
“Leana’s death is an unbearable loss for her parents Micheal and Mary, her brothers and sister and the wider Martin clan,” she said.
“I know the people of Ireland will feel immense sympathy for the Martin family as they face this devastating bereavement.
“I have conveyed my heartfelt sympathies, and those of my husband Martin and family, to Micheal and Mary.
“We are keeping them all in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.”
