Belfast City Hall was illuminated in rainbow colours on Monday night to remember Bláthnaid Ní Mhaoilmheanna. The four-year-old from West Belfast died on February 11 after a diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour in May last year.

Bláthnaid attended Rang 1 at Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh. Her family organised the tribute during Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Several hundred people joined them at the front gates of City Hall.

Ciaran Cahill, Bláthnaid's great uncle, stated that the building glowed in every colour of the rainbow to honour her. He noted she loved all rainbow colours and that her mother thanked the community and medical teams.

Colin McMillan from Brainwaves NI discussed glioblastoma and said research is the only path to a cure but remains underfunded. He called for support to advance research against brain tumours.

Sinn Féin councillor Michael Donnelly said the gathering on the City Hall lawn served as a tribute to Bláthnaid, her family and friends. He highlighted the need for more research and investment into brain cancers. Donnelly thanked council officers for arranging the illumination after he raised the request at March's full council meeting.