Boxer Paddy Donovan pays tribute to Limerick influencer and TikTok star Leah Cantillon

The young fighter, who is also from Limerick, recently fought Miroslav Serban on the controversial Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall undercard.

In a short clip posted in Facebook, Donovan said: “There was a little girl called Leah Cantillon. She just passed away, aged 17-years-old.

“So, our thoughts and prayers are with the family back at home.”

The message received dozens of replies with many applauding the fighter for paying tribute to Leah, of Abbey Vale, Corbally, who died unexpectedly on February 25.

“Top man,” one person said, while another added: “Top interview paddy…class act as always."

One other person said: “Fair play to you Paddy. Rest in peace Leah.”

In other tributes posted online people are seen releasing balloons in memory of Leah.

Leah was a well-known creator on TikTok where she had more than 124,000 followers and 3.1 million likes on her videos.

A Requiem Mass will be held for Leah in St Mary’s Church, Athlunkard Street on Friday, March 4 at 11am with burial afterwards in Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery.

A death notice on RIP.ie states that Leah (will be) “sadly missed by her loving grandparents Martin & Veronica Cantillon, mother Avril, brother Philip, sisters, aunt Nicole, Uncle Ross, other relatives & many friends”.

People have been leaving numerous messages of sympathy in the condolences section, with one reading: “I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious child Leah, it’s beyond words.

“I pray that the Lord will give you all the strength to get through the next few days. I pray that the Lord will heal your hearts over time.”

“Condolences to the family, what a beautiful girl, gone before her time, I hope she rests in peace,” a Limerick mum has written.

Another adds: “This is just so sad, a stunning girl gone way before her time. Deepest condolences to her heartbroken family and friends. Sleep tight, beautiful.”

One other person has written: “My sincere condolences to Leah’s grandparent’s and family, she was a beautiful girl and I can only imagine the heartbreak for her friends. Rest peacefully beautiful young lady.”

Another has added: “Hope the family is doing well. It’s such a sad loss for such a young girl, no one deserves to leave this earth so young. I’m really sorry for the family’s loss, she was a lovely girl.”