Funeral details announced for tragic victims of Kells crash
Funeral details for two of the victims of the horrific New Year's Eve two-car collision in Kells have been released.
Killed in the accident were Saoirse Corrigan and her partner and passenger Shane Gilchrist, both in their 20s, from Castlepollard.
Julie Kehoe, the driver of the second was taken to hospital with serious injures after the head-on collision on the N52 beside the M3 motorway, but was later pronounced dead.
Julie's three children travelling with her were all removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. The youngest children's conditions were described as not serious, while the boy (12), was said to be in a serious condition, having been transferred to Temple St Hospital.
Saoirse will be reposing at her residence from Tuesday 4th January from 4 o,clock until 8 o,clock. In order to comply with current guidelines hand shaking is not advised this is walk by only. House strictly private thereafter. Removal Wednesday 5th January to St. John The Baptist Church, Whitehall for 12.30 Funeral Mass. Burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.
The notice adds: "Please adhere to Covid restrictions which are still in place, those attending the funeral are asked to refrain from shaking hands, to continue to wear face masks and to observe social distancing where necessary. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral but cannot due to current restrictions may leave a personal message for the family on the condolence link here. Family flowers only."
Saoirse's Funeral Mass may be viewed on the link here.
Saoirse was predeceased by her grandfather Michael. Her passing is deeply regretted by her loving mother Orlene, loving father Michael, Andy, Keri, brothers Cathal and Cillian, sisters Brónagh and Gráinne, grandparents Michael-John, Josephine and Beatrice, uncles, aunts, extended family, all the staff and students at St Clare's College, Ballyjamesduff and a wide circle of friends.
Shane will be reposing at his residence Wednesday 5th January from 4 o'clock until 8 o'clock. In order to comply with current guidelines hand shaking is not advised this is walk by only. House strictly private thereafter.
Removal Thursday 6th January to St. Michael's Church for 11.30 Funeral Mass. Burial afterwards to adjoining cemetery. Please adhere to Covid restrictions, which are still in place, those attending the funeral are asked to refrain from shaking hands, to continue to wear face masks and to observe social distancing where necessary. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral but cannot due to current restrictions may leave a personal message for the family on the link here.
The funeral service can be watched here.
Shane was predeceased by his brother Joey. His passing is deeply regretted by his loving mother Trisha, loving father David, brothers Luke, Bryan and Peter, sister Emma, his grandparents Johnny, Maureen, George and Imelda, uncles, aunts, extended family, the hurling community and a wide circle of friends.
Heartfelt tributes were paid to Shane from Castlepollard, and Saoirse from Whitehall from the local GAA community in the wake of the tragedy.
Ringtown GAA posted this note on their Facebook page: "We are all in shock and devastated with the tragic death of our beautiful friend and club member Saoirse. We remember especially all her family members and her partner Shane, who also sadly died in the accident. RIP.
"May their gentle souls rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha."
Castlepollard Hurling Club posted a poignant picture of the couple and said:
"A terrible tragedy engulfed our community as two of our young beautiful souls were tragically taken from us decades too soon. Castlepollard Hurling & Camogie Club would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Gilchrist, Murray, Corrigan and Coffey families.
"Shane and Saoirse were both stalwarts in the Castlepollard and Ringtown Hurling Clubs and extended communities. Our hearts are broken for your loss in this most difficult time.
May their gentle souls rest in peace."
Castletown Finea Coole Whitelhall GFC wrote: "Today is a dark day in our community.
"With great sadness all at CFCW offer our condolences to the families and friends of Saoirse Corrigan and Shane Gilchrist, who have tragically been taken away from us far too soon.
"Both, devoted members of their local GAA Clubs Saoirse and Shane will be greatly missed by Castlepollard Hurling Club, Ringtown Hurling Club and CFCW GAA and the much wider community.
"Our hearts go out the Gilchrist, Murray, Corrigan and Coffey families at this difficult time."
In Wexford the death notice for Julie was released and read: "Beloved daughter of Geraldine and the late Jack, partner of Dessie, mother of Jack, Grace and Hannah and sister of Ger, Martina and Ciaran. Deeply regretted by her mother, partner, son, daughters, brother, sisters, sister-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, relatives and friends.
May She Rest In Peace."
Funeral details will follow but messages of sympathy can be left on the Condolence link here.
One Kells resident left this poignant message. "The townspeople of Kells are beyond devastated for Julie's family, partner and young children at her sudden loss from their lives. We pray for her soul and the souls of the other lives lost in such heartbreaking circumstances. Please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many people in our town you don't know."
Thirteen people have lost their lives on Meath roads in 2021.
Kells-based Cllr Sean Drew, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, It was "an awful tragedy to see the deaths of three young people.
“My sincere sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased. Please God the injured children will survive. My thoughts are also with all the members of our local Emergency Services who attended the scene. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha."
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Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who were travelling in the area at the time and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kells Garda Station on 046 928 0820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.