Heartfelt tributes paid to 'wonderful' mother following Mayo road tragedy
May she rest in peace.
The sons of a woman who died in a road tragedy in Castlebar paid a heartfelt tribute to their mother at her funeral mass earlier this week.
Chris (Christina) O’Donnell (nee Walsh) of Rathbawn Road and formerly of Clogher, Bohola, died after she was struck by a lorry while walking on Rathbawn Road in the town on Thursday, April 24 around 9.55am.
Ms O’Donnell, who was in her 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the lorry was taken to the hospital for treatment.
A large crowd of mourners attended her funeral at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.
Ms O’Donnell’s son, Neil, said his mother had worked in the UK for a short time after finishing school before returning home to Castlebar, where she worked as a receptionist at the Welcome Inn for 20 years. She then worked for the HSE for over 20 years as a receptionist in the Radiology Department in Mayo University Hospital.
“Mam always spoke glowingly of the great time she had working in the Welcome Inn,” said Neil. “Numerous people have commented on how helpful she was while working at the Hospital, and that was recognised in the huge guard of honour that was formed when she left the Hospital last Friday.”
“She was a wonderful mother, always encouraging and good craic.” Her son Ronan spoke of Ms O’Donnell’s commitment to her family.
“Mam loved and adored her grandchildren and was always eager and willing to do whatever she could to support us,” he said.
He thanked all of the people who had supported the family during their difficult time.
“Nothing prepared us for what we have been faced with over this past week, but I know she will be there to give us the strength to carry on. Rest in peace, Mam.”
Burial took place afterwards in the New Cemetery in Castlebar.
Following the mass, Ms O’Donnell’s remains were taken from the church for burial at Castlebar New Cemetery.
Ms O’Donnell is predeceased by her parents, Michael and Margaret, brothers-in-law Seamus, Johnny and Glen, sisters-in-law Maureen and Ruth and Nephew Darren (Gallagher).
She is survived by her husband Vinny, sons Neil and Ronan, daughter Mairead (Massey), son-in-law Pierre, daughter-in-law Mairead, grandsons Ryan, Luan, and Kian, granddaughter Elise, brothers Tommy (Clonmel), Gerard (London) and Jimmy (New Jersey), sisters Rosaleen (McHugh, London), Marion (Murphy, Ballinrobe), Jacqueline (Gallagher, London) and Rita (Delaney, London), brothers-in-law Eamon, Pat, Tommy, Chris, Tom and Pat, sisters-in-law Nora, Mary, Elaine and Agnes, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
