HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a “lovely lady” who was killed in a two-car crash in Co Cork on Mother’s Day.
Marie “Mary” Coughlan, 63, sadly lost her life in the collision on the main N72 Mallow to Killarney road near Cork Racetrack alongside 41-year-old mum-of-two Susan O’Sullivan.
Ms O’Sullivan was driving the car in which her two children, aged five and eight, survived the crash but were taken to Cork University Hospital with serious, but not life threatening injuries.
Mary Coughlan was the driver of the other car involved in the collision.
The former AIB employee, who was from Mitchelstown but had been living in Athlone, Co Westmeath for the last few years, was described by locals in Cork as “being quiet and with a small circle of friends”.
A notice online remembered her as the “beloved daughter” of the late Pat and Marie.
It added: “Sadly missed by her sister Helen (Dunboyne), brother Pat (Kilgarvan), brother in law Eugene, sister in law Rosie, adored nieces and nephews, Eleanor, Louise, Rachel, Brian and Justin, beloved Aunt Kathleen, cousins, many friends, neighbours and former AIB colleagues.”
Heartbroken pals, former colleagues and the wider community have described Mary as a “wonderful person and a great friend”.
A neighbour said: “I’m deeply saddened at the tragic death of Marie. My deepest condolence to her brother and sister and extended relatives. She was a lovely lady and will leave a huge void in the neighbourhood. May she rest in peace.”
A former AIB colleague told how Mary was a “lady”.
She added: “We had great times travelling around north and east cork together. Thinking of ye all. May she rest in peace.”
Another ex-colleague and “dear friend” said Mary was an “exceptional person” under every heading.
He added: “She was an an excellent, mentor, trainer, motivator, to all colleagues entrusted to her care. We will not forget Mary, RIP.”
A third former work pal said: “I am so sad to hear of Mary’s passing. I worked with Mary in AIB, and some craic we had, always full of craic and in great form.”
Local Fianna Fail councillor Bernard Moynihan yesterday said there is a deep sense of sadness in the community following the two tragic deaths in the crash.
‘ENTIRE AREA IS NUMB’
He added: “Yesterday evening, as the word spread among the community, people were shocked at the news.
“My sympathies to the families. They are special people, well-known people, hard-working decent people, especially across Western Duhallow and Boherbue.”
Councillor Tony O’Shea said the entire north Cork area was left shocked by the loss of life.
He said: “It is horrific. The entire area is numb. The thoughts and prayers of everyone are with the families involved.”
Superintendent Gary McPolin said the accident which took two lives was “a terrible tragedy”.
He said: “We are appealing to the public for information and are particularly interested in speaking to drivers who travelled on the road between 3.30pm and 4pm.
“Anyone with camera footage including dash cams and any premises with CCTV should contact Mallow Garda Station.”
