Crash victim to be laid to rest as friend fights on
The body of 22-year-old Meg was removed from Hurley’s Funeral Home in her native Skibbereen to Abbeystrewry Church last night. Her funeral service will take place at the church at 2pm today.
Locals have been paid tribute to Meg, who, it is understood, had recently deferred a study course to return to West Cork to care for her mother, Valda Long, who is recovering from an illness. Meg’s father also lives in Skibbereen.
Former classmates at Mercy Heights secondary school are expected to attend today’s funeral service, after which Meg will be laid to rest at the New Cemetery in the town.
The other young woman in the silver BMW which crashed into an electricity pole with devastating force at 1.45am on Monday is still in a critical condition in Cork University Hospital. It is understood she sustained serious injuries to her spine.
The driver, a local in his mid-20s, was arrested by gardaí at the scene and also treated at CUH on Monday, as were two other passengers. He has since been released and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
It is understood three of the six people were thrown from the vehicle by the force of the impact with the pole at the Hurley’s roundabout on the N71 bypass.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to come forward. They want to speak to two men who were at the scene of the crash and gave valuable assistance to ambulance personnel. They also want to hear from the occupants of a light-coloured Skoda Octavia that was parked near Hurley’s Garage on Illen St. The occupants of this car may also have given assistance to the injured.
Meg, an only child, was pronounced dead at the scene. She had worked in a number of pubs and restaurants in the locality, including Mary Ann’s in Castletownshend.
Its owner, Fergus O’Mahony, yesterday said Meg was “a wonderful, wonderful girl who was a pleasure to be around”.
He said Meg had been very popular with customers and “best friends with her mother”.
It is understood that Meg met with her mother, who has been receiving treatment in Bantry, on Sunday.
Meg’s friend who is being treated in CUH is a 22-year-old local who has been working in a hotel in the locality. She has also been studying in UCC.
Skibbereen mayor Karen Coakley, said the crash had been “devastating” for the community.
“People are walking around in a state of shock — there is nothing people can say,” she said.
Anybody with any information is asked to contact Skibbereen Garda Station on 028 23088, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
