Miracle emerges from another senseless tragedy

IT was an all too familiar sight this week — passersby laying bouquets to mark the scene of an accident, last weekend in Dublin, yesterday in Cork.

As the floral tributes piled up on the side of the road in Carrigaline, details emerged of the tragedy that claimed the life of a young childminder and spared the life of her charge. Named locally as Nicola, the young German au pair had arrived in Cork last August to look after Maedbh Bosteels, daughter of Fionnuala and Dom Bosteels of 5 Carrigmore, Carrigaline.

Neighbour Maria O’Gorman said the Bosteels were a quiet family who kept to themselves. Nicole, she said, could be seen “out with the buggy in all weathers”. She had a routine and would bring the child into Carrigaline in the morning. John, Maedbh’s brother, attends St Mary’s Primary School in the town.