LAST UPDATE | 29 Dec 2024

A MOTHER OF one killed in an alleged dangerous driving fatal collision in Rathkeale was brought to her final resting place today in a glass carriage led by ten horses.

Marguerita O’Rourke (née Sheridan), from a well-known Traveller family in the west County Limerick town, died after a van collided with a set of gates she was standing beside on 21 December.

A 42-year old man is currently before the courts charged with dangerous driving causing Ms O’Rourke’s death, as well as a number of other charges arising from the day in question.

Up to a thousand mourners attended Ms O’Rourke’s funeral mass, held at St Mary’s Church, Rathkeale.

The church was decorated in heart-shaped white rose floral tributes, which framed photographs of Ms O’Rourke and of her with her husband.

Family friend, Fr Liam Enright, chief celebrant, said: “I knew her since she was a young child here, she was the heart and soul of her family, full of wonder.

“When she met her husband Denis, they were like Romeo and Juliet, they just loved each other, she saw no one else except him.”

Fr Enright said the loving couple “were married here last year, and a month ago yesterday, they welcomed baby Edward into their lives”.

“And, so, a month after Edward was born, Marguerita was brought to this church.

“Everyone loved her, she was so well liked, her family are well-liked, and she had an amazing smile and personality,” Fr Enright said.

“We pray that her son will know about his mum from the love that he receives from all those around him, who will nurture him.”

Fr Enright said the Sheridan and O’Rourke families had received condolences from “so many people from all over Ireland and beyond, in America and England”.

“They have sent messages of support, to watch over baby Edward, and (her husband) Denis, and her parents and siblings,” added Fr Enright, who was assisted by co-celebrants Fr Derek Leonard, Fr Willie Russell and Fr Maurice Costelloe.

Friends of the deceased wore shirts emblazoned with Ms O’Rourke’s picture, while large television screens inside the church and at points around the town showed photographs of Ms O’Rourke in happier times.

A photograph of Ms O’Rourke on her wedding day at the same church in December last year lay beside her coffin during today’s funeral mass.

A white coloured glass panelled carriage, led by two black Friesian horses and eight white shire horses, provided by Thomas Clarke Carriages, Dublin, and John O’Grady Carriages, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, carried Ms O’Rourke’s remains from the church to St Joseph’s Cemetery, Rathkeale.