The family of Irish woman Edel Mahady has paid tribute to her today, describing her as an "Irish version of  tiger mother". Edel, from Palmerstown in Dublin, was one of almost 300 people who perished when Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 was brought down near the Russia-Ukraine border this week and it is believed that a ground to air missile launched by a seperatists group could be to blame for the fatal crash. Edel Mahady, who had emigrated to Australia with her husband 20 years ago, was the only Irish person on the flight and in a heartfelt statement today, her family appealled for privacy as they grieved their loss and remembered Edel's devotion to her family. "Edel Mahady took care of people. She was devoted to and immeasurably proud of her husband Dereck, son Conor and daughter Ciara. If there was an Irish version of a ‘tiger mother’ Edel was it. "Edel’s fierce love of her family was evident in her support of her siblings through constant communication and regular visits to care for her elderly mother. After immigrating to Australia as a newlywed, Edel gathered a group of friends and came to regard them as her Australian family. Edel’s enthusiasm for living life was evident in the fact she held two jobs that had a great impact on two communities. "For 14 years, she was the Bursar/Office Manager at Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School whilst working as a fitness instructor at Fitness First in Cannington and Myaree. Edel’s personality and quality of her work positively affected generations of teachers and children in the Kelmscott area. Her dedication to the health and wellbeing of those she trained was unfailing. "She loved nothing more than to champion and mentor someone struggling to lose weight, eat healthier or increase their fitness. Edel didn’t merely ‘do’ her work, her humour, strength, wisdom, joy and determination drove people to achieve their best. No one wanted to let Edel down, she saw the best in people, put up with no nonsense and spoke with honesty and conviction. "Edel dealt with prince or pauper the same. She respected hard work, integrity and regarded failure as an opportunity to do better next time. She was innovative, persistent and a champion of those who were struggling. She would be heartbroken to know how saddened we are by her death, she would not want anyone to waste time on hating those who did this rather she would be expecting us to ‘suck it up’ and make sure we looked after those who need it and to live fully. "Her family have shared her with many people throughout her work life but ask that at this time their privacy is respected as they grieve for their beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend."