A young mum killed while driving her family home from a children's Halloween party has been called a "lovely, bubbly, kind hearted lady".
On Bank Holiday Monday, a collision between two cars just after 4pm on the N21 Rathleake, Co Limerick, resulted in the death of 32-year-old Helen Moynihan.
She was taken to University Hospital Limerick and later pronounced dead.
Her partner Seanie King and their two young children, aged 7 and 14 months, were passengers in the car Helen was driving.
They were taken to hospital where their injuries are described as non life threatening, reports the Irish Mirror.
The second car was driven by a man in his 20s, who was also brought to hospital. His injuries were described as non life-threatening.
At Newcastle West County Council's meeting on Tuesday, a vote of sympathy was expressed by local councillors to the family of Ms Moynihan and prayers were said in the community.
Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Newcastle West, Cllr Michael Collins told The Star the whole community is “shocked and numb” at the tragic death of Helen.
“What was to be a happy, family day turned to tragedy,” Cllr Collins said.
He said the community were rallying around Helen’s devastated parents John, a retired local garda and Theresa, who worked for social welfare.
Cllr Collins said prayers are being said for Helen’s two young children and her partner Seanie and the wider Moynihan family.
Helen, who was from Newcastle West and worked in recent years for office supply company Hunt.ie, was described as a popular woman who had a beautiful smile and a heart of gold.
Friends took to social media to express their heartbreak and offer condolences to Helen’s family.
One pal described Helen as “Such a lovely, bubbly kind hearted lady. Such sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.”
Another friend wrote: “There are no words for this horrendous tragedy, leaving two small babies without their mom. Helen Moynihan, keep that beautiful smile on your face and watch over Seanie and your beautiful kids. RIP. You will be sorely missed. A heart of gold you had.”
Local councillor Adam Teskey - who previously warned of fatalities at the junction at The Pike and called on the Department of Transport and the roads authority to take action by installing lights, effective signage and road markings in place - said the local community is “numbed, shocked and saddened,” at the tragic death of Helen.
“There is a deep sense of sympathy around for the family. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. There is a huge void now in family circles,” Cllr Teskey told The Star yesterday.
“It’s heartbreaking that a life has been lost on what should have been a happy time enjoying a bank holiday and mid-term break.
“There have been a number of accidents at this location in recent years including at least one fatality but now another life has been lost,” he said, adding he is on the record a number of years now calling for lighting and other safety measures to be put in place.
“Our thoughts are also with the emergency service first responders and members of An Garda Siochana and Limerick Fire Service that went to help at Monday’s tragic scene.”
Gardai at Newcastle continue to appeal for witnesses.
Funeral arrangements for Helen have yet to be announced.
In a statement gardai asked any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) from the N21 south of Rathkeale at the time of the collision to provide it to gardai.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastlewest Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
