A WOMAN in her 30s managed to escape serious injury in a road traffic crash which claimed the life on her younger sister in Co Galway.
The single-vehicle crash happened outside Athenry on Saturday night. The 25-year-old driver was killed instantly when the car she was driving went out of control and crashed on the Athenry to Galway road.
The crash happened at Gort na hAabhann late on Saturday night and the driver was named locally yesterday as Saffron Richie, who lives locally.
Her older sister, who was travelling in the front passenger seat, received minor injuries.
Garda forensic collision experts attended the scene and gardaí in Athenry are appealing for witnesses.
Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners gathered in Co Limerick yesterday for the funeral of an elderly couple who were killed in a road crash last week.
Maurice (Moss) Hartnet (61) and his wife Margaret (59), died when the van they were driving was in a collision with an SUV between Rathkeale and Askeaton – about 12 miles outside Limerick city – last Wednesday evening.
The couple, who had been married for 38 years, had six children – some of whom are living and working abroad.
Moss was a master carpenter and had his own business and both he and Margaret were deeply involved in the local community, particularly with the GAA.
A black handbag and a toolbox were placed along their coffins at St Munchin’s Church, Knockaderry for yesterday’s funeral Mass.
In his homily, local parish priest Fr John Keating spoke of the sense of loss in the parish.
“We read and hear about tragedies every day, but when it comes to our neighbourhood, our own door, it leaves us shocked and speechless.
“They were taken suddenly, unexpectedly and without a chance to say goodbye.
“We can’t understand it, we have so many questions but no answers,” he said.
Hundreds of mourners filled the small church and some had to stand outside throughout the l Mass.
There were emotional scenes as three of Moss and Margaret’s children addressed the congregation and on a number of occasions there was an eruption of spontaneous applause.
Following yesterday’s funeral Mass the cortege passed by the Harnett’s family home before the popular couple were buried at nearby Clouncagh cemetery.