Drowned nuns may have been out of their depth
Given that the women were pulled by lifeguards from shallow water close to the shoreline, in calm conditions, there had been speculation they could have died of medical reasons rather than drowning
However, gardaí investigating the tragedy learned at the weekend that the women had been seen swimming much further out beyond the first breaking wave, possibly beyond their depth, and then got into difficulties.
A man who was in the water at the time saw them about 30m from the shoreline and they may have been swept out and into deeper water than they realised.
A third nun who was with them on holiday in Kerry was waiting on the shore for them to emerge from their swim.
Despite valiant efforts to revive them through CPR for up to an hour on the strand, Sr Paula Buckley, 70, and Sr Imelda Carew, 67, were later pronounced dead at Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, to where they had been airlifted by Coast Guard helicopter.
Both were members of the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary and were working in Dublin.
Sr Imelda, a native of Kilmore, Dundrum, Co Tipperary, was the order’s provincial leader for the south-east, based in Terenure.
Sr Paula, originally from Camas Bridge, near Cashel, Co Tipperary, was in Clondalkin and worked in prison ministry. She was previously attached to the Nano Nagle Centre, Ballygriffin, Mallow, Co Cork, for a number of years.
Tributes have paid to both deceased and their order has been receiving messages of sympathy from around the world.
They were described as “two wonderful women’’ by Sr Mary Deane, congregational leader of the Presentation Sisters Union, who said they had been a source of inspiration and blessing to many people during their lives.
Sr Imelda was laid to rest yesterday in Mountmellick, Co Laois, following requiem Mass in Mountmellick Parish Church.
Sr Paula, who had been due to celebrate her 50th year in religious life next month, will be buried in Ardmayle Cemetery, Co Tipperary, after requiem Mass in Cashel Parish Church at noon tomorrow.
Investigating gardaí have interviewed up to eight people who were on the strand at the time of the double tragedy.
Some people in coastal areas, meanwhile, have already highlighted the possibility of unseen hazards for swimmers caused by the shifting of sands during last winter’s storms which lowered beach levels in some areas.
