Heartbroken community pays tribute to Tara

THERE were heart-breaking scenes at Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School yesterday as former pupils who should be enjoying their summer break gathered to mourn and support one another.

And in Tara Whelan's parish of Ballyduff, Kilmeaden, the two local priests were trying to find words to comfort their flock. It was the third time in just a week that the community was united in grief.

A local couple lost their newborn baby on Wednesday last. And on Friday, 23-year-old crash victim, Derek Ryan, was buried. He was a neighbour and close friend of Tara Whelan's, living with his parents just three fields from her home. She knew of his death and was to commiserate with his family had she returned home on Sunday.