Family skydive honours mum killed by husband

The family of a mother of three beaten to death by her husband have honoured her memory by skydiving to raise money for victims of domestic violence.

Seventeen-year-old Chloe McDonagh was among those who jumped in memory of her mum, Jacqueline, who died from the assault in 2012.

She was joined by Jacqueline’s brother-in-law Martin McDonagh and her cousin, Trevor McDonnell, who said the family hoped their efforts would also encourage others experiencing domestic violence to seek help.

“Jacqueline lived her life in the car. She had also been in and out of refuges. But she never told the truth of what was going on at home. She was very afraid that her children would be taken away,” said Jacquelie’s mother, Winnie McDonagh.

“I want other women who are going through the same thing to not be afraid to tell someone. If I could get this message out then Jacqueline’s death would not have been in vain.”

Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service received a cheque for more than €5,000 from the fundraiser and the service’s development manager, Anne Clarke, paid tribute to the family’s courage and strength.

“It was a privilege to meet a family that portrayed the true essence of what family is all about. Coming together in a time of trauma and finding a way to raise awareness to help others,” she said.

Jacqueline was 34 when she died at her family home in Navan, Co Meath, in 2012, leaving behind three children, Chloe, now 17; Nikita, 13; and Michael, 7.

Her husband, Michael McDonagh, a bare-knuckle boxer, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year for her murder.

Her family urged anyone suffering domestic violence to seek help. The Offaly helpline is 057-9351886 and the Women’s Aid national helpline is 1800 341 900.