It's a story that really hits home for college students heading home for Christmas - a young student dies suddenly while catching up with friends. It was never meant to be like this and now Dearbhla Harbinson's brave father has spoken about his tragic loss, and the student community's.
Dearbhla, originally from Co. Antrim but studying in Dublin, was just 18 when she collapsed last week after a night out.
She became ill at a house in west Belfast after just returning home for the festive period.
Dearbhla was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast but tragically died two days.
The psychology student’s father Lenny told Independent.ie he was shocked by her passing.
Mr Harbinson, a familiar face in Antrim GAA circles, said "We are devastated by the untimely death of our daughter. She was a very affectionate, loving and caring girl.
"She was associated with the school community in many aspects and touched the lives of everyone.
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"Many people turned up to show their condolences. She was very talented creatively and academically. It's just a terrible loss for us.
"She had just started her first term at University College Dublin.
"She loved her course and was getting on very well. She finished one of her exams recently and was due to go back and do more exams.
"Her brother and sister, Darren and Etaoin, are also in Dublin.”
He added: “Dearbhla was in the Royal Hospital since the early hours of last Wednesday morning, but unfortunately died on Friday.
"She was getting fantastic support and help from staff in the intensive care unit.
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"They did everything possible for her.
"It's devastating... we are in shock."
Dearbhla's life was celebrated at St Joseph's Church in Glenavy on St Stephen's Day by hundreds of mourners.
No details into the nature of her illness have been revealed but nevertheless it's yet another reminder to hold your loved ones close.
RIP Dearbhla.
