Heartbreaking tributes are being paid to Emma Mackarel, a young mum who tragically lost her life in a crash in Monaghan on Thursday morning.
The 37-year-old became the third person to die on Ireland’s roads in just 12 hours after her car was involved in a collision with a lorry on the N2 at Annalitten around 8am.
The lorry driver, a foreign national aged in his 50s, was arrested and remained in Garda custody on Thursday night.
Funeral arrangements for the devoted mum of two have been announced. Emma, from Latgallan in Clones, will be laid to rest on Sunday, December 21 at 2pm at Stonebridge Presbyterian Church in Gransha More, Clones, with interment in the adjoining graveyard.
Her heartbroken family has requested that the house remain strictly private at all times, and expressed their gratitude for the “kind messages, prayers and support” they have received during this difficult time.
Emma was well known throughout the Clones and Smithboro areas of Monaghan. Smithboro Sinn Fein councillor Sinead Flynn, who knew her personally, said: “Just like the rest of the community, we are absolutely devastated to hear about the tragic accident.
“Emma is a local woman and it is heartbreaking to read about her tragic passing, particularly at this time of year in the lead up to Christmas. It is shocking, to say the least. I want to extend my sincere condolences to her family and her wider family circle and her many friends.”
Tributes have also been paid on social media. One well wisher said: “Sincere condolences to all of Emma’s family especially her husband and children. Had the pleasure of working with Emma for a short time. Her family were her pride and joy. May she rest in peace.”
Another added: “Deepest sympathy to all Emma’s family, so so sad, thinking of ye all, fly high Emma and protect ur family in these desperate days, weeks, months and years ahead.”
A third wrote: “Words cannot express my sorrow and sympathy for Emma’s family, especially her husband and beautiful children And of course her wider family circle. You will all be in my prayers. May Emma Rest in Peace and watch over you all from heaven. Xx”
Another shared: “Sincere condolences to Andy and your family on your devastating loss. Emma was an absolute lady. May she Rest in Peace.”
Emma was the cherished daughter of John and Linda McClean, predeceased by her grandmother Jean McClean. She is deeply mourned by her husband Andrew, daughter Eva, son Alec, sister Donna, brother David, grandparents, in-laws, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Gardai are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage from the N2 between Castleblayney and Broomfield between 7.30am and 8.15am to come forward.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a collision involving a HGV and a car on the N2 at Mullaghnee, Annalitten, Castleblayney that occurred at approximately 8:00am.
“The driver of the car, a female in her 30s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her body was removed to the mortuary at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
“No other injuries reported at this time. A man aged in his 50s has been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a station in the Garda North Western Region.
“The road is currently closed pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
“Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling on the N2 between Castleblayney and Broomfield between 7:30am and 8:15am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. “Anyone with information is asked to contact Castleblayney Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”
Emma’s death comes just after two other young men lost their lives in separate crashes. Simon ‘Sammy’ McInerney, 21, died when the car he was driving collided with another vehicle on the N21 at Templeglantine, west County Limerick, shortly before 1am on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Nathan Walsh, 24, died in a single-vehicle collision near Tipperary town on Wednesday night. He was from Bansha in Tipperary.
