Couple killed in crash laid to rest

HUNDREDS of mourners yesterday attended the funeral of a retired couple who died when their car collided with a lorry on the Knocklong/Mitchelstown road.

The accident happened last Thursday afternoon.

Sarah Chapman, who was in here late 50s, died at the scene of the accident.

Her husband, Bill, 74, was later pronounced dead at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

The couple had moved to Co Limerick in 1991 from England and settled in Glenbrohane, Knocklong.

Mrs Chapman’s family, the Irwins, originally came from Co Limerick before emigrating to England.

Their two daughters, Emma and Rachel, also moved to Co Limerick from England.

Fr William Hennessy told mourners at the requiem Mass yesterday that the entire community was stunned and shocked at the double tragedy.

He said: “They were a very fine couple and good friends and neighbours. We hear all too often news about people losing their lives in car accidents. It is such a shock when it hits nearer home and all the harder when it’s a couple from our own parish.”

The local choir sang at the Mass and the offertory gifts were brought to the altar by relatives of the couple.

During his time in Glenbrohane, Bill Chapman played a major role in renovating the local community centre.

He managed a FÁS scheme which saw major improvements being carried out on the building to upgrade its facilities.

Large numbers attended the removal from Ryan’s funeral home in Ballylanders to Glenbrohane church.