Deaths of mum and daughters in crash was 'unspeakable tragedy'
Una Bowden (47), Ciara Bowden (14) and Saoirse Bowden (10) lost their lives in a road collision near Claremorris on March 26 last.
The death of a mother and her two daughters following a road accident in Mayo was an "unspeakable tragedy", an inquest was told.
Úna Bowden, aged 47, 14-year-old Ciara and 10-year-old Saoirse died when their car and a lorry collided on the N17 near Claremorris on March 26.
Ms Bowden was originally from Raphoe, Co Donegal, and lived in Moycullen, Co Galway with her children and husband, David.
The inquest into their deaths opened in Swinford today (Monday). A full hearing will take place at a later date when an investigation into the road accident is completed.
Medical evidence was given by consultant pathologist at Mayo University Hospital, Dr Fadel Bennani.
All three victims could only be identified from the results of DNA tests.
Dr Bennani said the medical cause of death for all three was extensive head and body injuries following a road traffic accident.
“It is an unspeakable tragedy for the family and the community to lose three young people in the prime of their lives,” said coroner Pat O’Connor.
He said the deaths once again highlighted the dangers on our road with the N17 near Claremorris, and the N5 near Swinford, the scenes of a spate of recent deaths.
Mr O’Connor paid tribute to the emergency services and the staff of Mayo University Hospital who have to deal with fatal road accidents.
Sgt Sean McHale said the events of March 26 had been "traumatic" for all involved. He praised those who tried to help Ms Bowden and her girls. Sgt McHale said we should also remember the schoolfriends of Saoirse and Ciara who will be still missing and mourning the girls.
