Tributes paid after death of popular nun in Cork

Tributes have been paid following the death of the principal of a prominent secondary school in Cork.

The body of Sr Jean Browne, a member of the Ursuline Order and principal of the Ursuline Secondary School in Blackrock, was taken from the River Lee near Blackrock village on Thursday.

Emergency services including gardaí and Cork City Fire Brigade assisted in the recovery of the remains of the popular nun.

Paying tribute to Sr Jean, Cork county mayor Alan Coleman said there was a cloud of darkness over Blackrock following her death.

“To hear of the death of someone in their 50s is tragic, she was definitely too young to die and it is all the more tragic in these circumstances, and given that she was a member of a religious order.

“And she would be one of the younger members of a religious order. It’s very difficult for the members of her order, for her family, it’s very disconcerting and really a difficult time for everybody and I’m sure there is a certain darkness over Blackrock with this news.”

Cork city lord mayor Mary Shields said Sr Jean was "a lovely person".

“I am very sad to hear such a thing. She will be a huge loss to her community and to the school community. She was an excellent person,” Ms Shields said.