Funeral details announced for Louth couple who died in crash

Olivia Kelleher

An elderly couple who died in a collision on the R173 at the Bush in north Louth on Thursday afternoon will be laid to rest on Monday.

Robert and Kathleen Marks, who were from Ballagan, Greenore, were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.

A couple in their 30s who were in the second vehicle were taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Robert was in his mid 80’s whilst Kathleen was in her late 70s.

The couple are survived by their adult children Sean, Karen, Gillian and Niall, their son-in-laws Michael and Kevin, Sean’s partner Elizabeth, their six grandchildren, Kathleen’s brother Peter and Robert’s sister Mary, their nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Mr and Mrs Marks are lying in repose at their home on Sunday for visitation.

Removal will take place on Monday at 11.15am, proceeding on foot to the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Boher, arriving for noon funeral mass. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

Meanwhile, tributes have been made to the couple.

The Beyond Beauty Salon in Dundalk, Co Louth posted on social media that they have were “two of the kindest, warmest people you could ever have the privilege of knowing.”

“Robert and Kathleen were two of the kindest, warmest people you could ever have the privilege of knowing. Many of our clients will remember Kathleen in the salon on Saturdays, always with a smile and time for everyone.

At this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with (their daughter) Gillian, her family and all who knew and loved Robert and Kathleen.

There are simply no words that can ease such an unimaginable loss, but we hope they find comfort in the love and support surrounding them.”

Marks was a lifelong member and the honorary president of the Cooley Kickhams GAA club,

Three years ago Marks presented a framed Cooley Kickham jersey to then US President Joe Biden during his visit to North Louth.

Marks was also a Founding member of Cooley Credit Union in 1969.

In a post on Facebook, the credit union said that Marks continued to serve as a director for many years after its formation.

“Robert dedicated over fifty years of service to Cooley Credit Union, where his leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment helped strengthen the institution and improve the lives of its members.”

They said that his legacy was one of “compassion, leadership and service. “