'Our Ella’s first birthday in Heaven.' Emotional tribute to Donegal child
Heartbroken family honours Ella's memory with friendship bench at her school days before her seventh birthday
A deeply emotional ceremony was held at Scoil Chroí Naofa in Carndonagh on Friday, May 29, as the McLaughlin family unveiled a specially commissioned friendship bench in memory of six-year-old Ella McLaughlin, just days before what would have been her seventh birthday on Sunday, May 31.
The bench, now placed in the school grounds where Ella once attended as a pupil, is intended as a lasting tribute to her vibrant spirit and a place where children can sit, talk, and form friendships, reflecting the joyful and social nature she was known for.
Ella and her mother, Natalie McLaughlin, a beloved local nurse, both tragically died following a road traffic collision on the R240 road at Carrowmore, Glentogher, close to Carndonagh in July 2025.
The presentation of the bench was attended by close family members, including Ella’s younger sister, Rhea-Rose, who was just 18 months old when she was seriously injured in the crash. The family gathered at the school to honour Ella’s memory and celebrate her place within the school community.
Speaking after the presentation, Ella’s grandmother, an emotional Joanne McLaughlin, shared heartfelt memories of both her daughter and granddaughter, describing Natalie as a devoted mother and compassionate caregiver whose kindness touched everyone around her.
“Ella had just turned six before the crash, and Natalie had a big party with all her classmates and family..
She added that Natalie was “a beautiful girl, a beautiful person who just adored her two girls,” recalling how she “did everything for everybody” and was always caring for family and others in the community.
“She went on to become a practice nurse, and we would have been very close. She was just the kindest person who gave everybody her time. She was just always about other people. She was just the most beautiful person you'd ever meet.”
Joanne also reflected on Natalie’s lifelong compassion, recalling how even as a teenager she stopped to help an elderly man who had fallen in town. “She came home just devastated, just because she'd felt so sad and sorry for him and she had helped him at the time.”
The family said the friendship bench was chosen as a fitting tribute to Ella, whose personality was described as bright, fearless, and full of energy.
“Ella was so sassy, and she was so fun and loud; she would be cartwheeling and somersaulting everywhere. She would hardly walk. She would be skipping, dancing, that would be her,” Joanne said.
“She was so social, and she brought one of her friends out of her shyness. She would just be so chatty, and her friends just thought she was so funny, because she was just so fun.”
During the commemoration of the friendship bench, pupils released bubbles in her memory, while staff and family spoke about her life and the joy she brought to those around her.
For those who loved her, the occasion was made all the more poignant by the feeling that Ella should have been spending her seventh birthday surrounded by family and friends, rather than being remembered through tributes. Instead of celebrating another year of her infectious energy and laughter, her family was left honouring a little girl whose life was cut tragically short.
On Ella’s birthday, a spokesperson for Scoil Chroí Naofa said: “Happy Heavenly Birthday to our beautiful Ella, forever in our hearts and always remembered.”
“Thank you to Ella’s family for the beautiful Friendship Bench in her honour. It is a wonderful reminder of Ella’s friendship and spirit, and we will cherish it always.”
The bench also carries a wider purpose beyond remembrance; it is intended as a space of comfort and inclusion for pupils who may feel lonely, encouraging conversation and companionship in Ella’s name.
In a message shared on Ella’s birthday, family members described the day as one filled with both love and heartbreak. Her aunt Lara wrote that it was “our Ella’s first birthday in Heaven,” adding: "You will always be my best friend, my greatest love, and the most precious part of my heart.”
“I miss you more than words could ever say, and I wish more than anything that I could celebrate this day with you, my girl. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever my crazy girl."
The McLaughlin family said they hope the bench ensures Ella’s presence continues to be felt in the school she once attended, not only as a memory, but as a lasting reminder of kindness, friendship, and the importance of looking after one another.
For the McLaughlin family, the loss remains as profound as ever. “We love them and miss them,” Joanne said.