Saoirse and Shane are 'together and happy forever'
The young north Westmeath teacher who died in a road traffic accident alongside her partner on New Year's Eve was laid to rest this afternoon.
At her funeral in St John The Baptist Church, Whitehall this afternoon, Saoirse Corrigan, whose partner Shane Gilchrist also died in the two vehicle collision in Kells on December 31, was remembered as someone with a “love of learning” and who also loved her local GAA clubs, Ringtown and Castletown Finea Coole Whitehall.
Speaking during the procession of gifts, which included a photo of Saoirse and Shane, Fr Oliver Skelly said that the young couple are “together and happy forever”.
Fr Skelly also told mourners that Saoirse “gave joy to her parents, family members, work colleagues and friends” and was a “beautiful person inside and out”.
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.
Her partner Shane is currently reposing at his residence until 8 o'clock this evening. In order to comply with current guidelines hand shaking is not advised this is walk by only. House strictly private thereafter.
His funeral will take place tomorrow morning in St Michael's Church, Castlepollard at 11.30 with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. 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 and Saoirse 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."
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.