Community mourns the loss of inspiring Cystic Fibrosis advocate Claire Bresnahan

THE global community of those living with and supporting people affected by cystic fibrosis had been left heartbroken following the sudden passing of Claire Bresnahan (née Taggart), a woman whose courage, compassion and determination had touched countless lives.

Claire, from Omagh, had spent much of her life bravely battling cystic fibrosis, a condition she never allowed to define her. Instead, she became a powerful advocate for others, using her voice and her story to push for better treatments and greater awareness. Her loss was felt deeply not only by her family and friends, but by an entire community who had drawn strength from her resilience.

Tributes poured in from across the country and beyond, remembering Claire as a kind, caring and selfless person who always put others first. Among those paying tribute was cystic fibrosis fundraiser Liam McHugh, who had been preparing to run the London Marathon in April 2026 in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The Castlederg man recalled Claire’s unwavering willingness to help others, describing how she had immediately agreed to speak at a protest for access to lifesaving drugs at Belfast City Hall.

“I remembered when I asked Claire if she would attend our protest and share her story -she never hesitated,” he said. “She was so proud that day, and her story played a big part in helping us achieve our goal of securing those drugs. I was personally heartbroken. Claire had written to me just weeks ago to say she had been in hospital but was feeling much better and had turned a corner.”

He spoke movingly of the deep bond between Claire and her husband, Seán, describing them as inseparable, and expressed his sympathy to the entire family.

“She has left a legacy behind her that will never be forgotten,” he added. “Anyone who knew her will carry her memory forever. She was one of the most wonderful and kindest people you could ever meet.”

Claire passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12. She had been the beloved wife of Seán and a devoted mother to Pearse, Aóife, Aleisha and Eiméar. She had also been a loving sister to Steven, Jonathan and Jason, and a cherished daughter of the late Francis Hugh and Rosalind. She was a dear daughter-in-law to Aidan and Ann and a treasured aunt and friend to many.

Her funeral took place on Sunday, from her home on Lammy Drive, Omagh, followed by Requiem Mass in the Sacred Heart Church and burial in St Mary’s Cemetery, Drumragh.

Claire Bresnahan’s life had been defined not by her illness, but by her strength, her generosity and her unwavering commitment to helping others. Though she had been taken too soon, the impact she made would endure - living on in the memories of those who loved her and in the lives she helped to change.