'Our hearts are shattered for the rest of our lives', sister of Limerick woman killed by dogs tells funeral

Nicole Morey was attacked and killed by her dogs when she returned home from celebrating her 23rd birthday last week

Former parish priest of Southill Fr Pat Hogan told mourners Ms Morey’s family had been consumed by 'a tragedy, a darkness, unbelievable grief, shock-horror'. Pictures: Liam Burke/Press 22

The sister of a woman mauled to death by her pet dogs last week told her funeral Mass the heart of their family had been “shattered” by the tragedy.

Nicole Lisa Marie Morey, 23, originally from Bawnmore View, Limerick City, was killed by her dogs at her home in Fedamore, Co Limerick, last Tuesday night.

Ms Morey had been out celebrating her 23rd birthday, and when she returned to her house her dogs attacked and killed her.

Mourners gather for the funeral Mass of Nicole Morey at the Holy Family Church, Southill, Limerick.

Ms Morey’s sister, Jolene Morey, told mourners at the funeral Mass at the Holy Family parish church, Southill: “Our hearts are shattered for the rest of our lives.

“I'm trying my best to stay so strong on the outside, but on the inside it's hurting so much that no one will ever know. To my loving sister, never in a million years did I think I'd be here at your funeral. You were so loving and caring, you never deserved any of this,” Jolene Morey said.

“Every day we would laugh and joke, Nicole would sing her heart and soul out every morning There was no closer bond than me and my sister Nicole, she was like a mother figure to me and my brothers — her nickname was “Mothers” - there was nothing in life Nicole wouldn't do for us.” 

Nicole Morey kept four dogs, all of which were on a restricted breeding list.

When gardaí arrived at the house, they encountered a number of aggressive dogs and Ms Morey in a critical condition. She was pronounced dead at this scene.

Former parish priest of Southill Fr Pat Hogan told mourners Ms Morey’s family had been consumed by “a tragedy, a darkness, unbelievable grief, shock-horror”.

“We must try to remember Nicole for her generosity, kindness and beauty,” Fr Hogan said.

“Nicole meant a lot to many people, she was full of life, engaging, pleasant, kind and very good company, she was wonderful, she was beautiful."

Following her funeral Mass, Nicole Morey was laid to rest in Mount Saint Oliver Cemetery, Limerick.

Nicole’s devastated father Patrick O’Donnell fought back tears as he paid tribute to “our baby girl Nicole, a special girl”.

“As you grew up, your beauty and your smile got bigger and better. You were a girl that would do anything in your power to help anyone and do it with a smile on your face, and no one could say ‘no’ to you,” Mr O’Donnell said.

Some of Ms Morey’s 10 siblings laid mementos from her short life beside her coffin, including her laptop, representing “her love of social media especially TikTok, she always wanted to go viral”.

Ms Morey’s mobile phone, her personal “Alexa” voice service, and a “vape” were all presented at the altar, as were a can of Red Bull and a scratch card as a reminder that “Nicole was always full of energy and would try her luck on anything”.

Nicole Morey, who is survived by her parents, Lis and Patrick, stepparents Joseph and Nicola, brothers and sisters, was laid to rest in Mount Saint Oliver Cemetery, Limerick.