FAMILY REELING
‘Forever together’ – ‘Inseparable’ mum and daughter killed in tragic Mayo crash as priest details ‘devastating scene’
Locals spoke of their shock at the loss of the popular mum and daughter, who had finished school in style last week
AN “inseparable” mum and daughter killed in a horrific road crash were never seen without the other, grieving pals have said.
Tributes have flooded in for Aisling Moore, 46, and eight-year-old Abbigael who lost their lives in a collision between a car and a lorry in Foxford, Co Mayo.
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The horror tragedy happened on Tuesday at around 5.45pm on the N26 in Lismoran.
Driver Aisling and Abbigael were pronounced dead at the scene of the head-on crash between Foxford and Swinford.
The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Foxford Parish Priest Fr Padraig Costello revealed he said prayers and blessed the mother and daughter after being called to the scene of the crash.
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Fr Costello said: “All I could think of was the family because they would be getting the news later on... it was just so, so sad.
“It was a devastating scene. All the emergency services were there, the gardaí, fire brigade, ambulances, and I really have to compliment them on the way they do their work.”
The priest told how giving families news of a tragedy is one of the most difficult aspects of being a priest.
Speaking to RTE, he said: "It is the most difficult thing a priest has ever to do because what can you say to people?"
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The Irish Sun understands Aisling and Abbigael were from nearby Swinford in Co Mayo.
Parents at St Aidan’s National School in Kiltimagh said: “Abbigael was a beautiful child. So full of life. Always smiling.
Tragedy as inseparable mum and daughter 8, killed in horror Mayo crash as heartbreaking tributes paid
“It’s heartbreaking to think she has been taken so suddenly in such a tragic way. She was a much valued pupil and friend of 2nd class.
“All her friends adored her as she was always so much fun to be around.
“Aisling was so well-known and liked among all the parents within our school community.
“She always had a kind word for everyone. She was a beautiful soul. She was so devoted and proud of Abbigael. You would never see one without the other.”
Locals also spoke of their shock at the loss of the popular mum and daughter, who had finished school in style last week.
The Parents’ Association said: “Aisling and Abbigael were in school Friday evening for the Uniform Exchange.
“Little Abbigael had her blue eyeshadow on and with a twinkle in her eye she said to us: 'I think I’m allowed to cartwheel in here since no teachers are around.' And without a reply off she went!
“She was so pleased and happy with herself walking out the door. Aisling offered to stay and help which was not unlike her as she was always so supportive of the Parents’ Association.
“May Aisling and Abbigael rest in peace. Forever together like they always were.”
Sports-mad Abbigael loved athletics and GAA, with her mum her No1 supporter.
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Swinford Athletic Club told how news of the road tragedy had “rocked us to the core”.
They said: “The Swinford Athletic community are in shock and disbelief as we heard of the awful tragedy to hit our community. News of the fatal crash claiming the lives of Aisling and Abbigael has rocked us to the core.”
Abbigael also lined out for Kiltimagh GAA Club, who described her as “a kind, bubbly and fun loving girl”.
The club added: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we hear about the tragic deaths of our U-10 team member Abbigael and her loving mother Aisling Moore.”
Horror 24 hours on our roads
It comes amid a horror 24 hours on Irish roads, as there were two other tragedies in Co Westmeath in the last day.
Yesterday, at around 6.40pm, gardai and emergency services were alerted to a vehicle found in a ditch on the roadside of the R395 at Teevrevagh, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath.
When they went to examine the vehicle, Marcin Nowosielski was found dead in the driver's seat.
A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on the 47-year-old.
'Passionate' footie fan
Marcin was described as a "passionate" football fan who lived in Collinstown and had lots of friends in the local area.
Gardai have since said that it is "currently unclear exactly when the car left the road, but it is believed to have occurred in the previous days".
A spokesman added: "The last sighting of Marcin Nowosielski was in the early hours of Sunday, 30th June 2024.
"Gardai are appealing to anyone with information on the movements of Marcin Nowosielski or his car, a black Nissan Almera with registration 02 CE 3568, since the early hours of 30th June 2024, to come forward.
Garda appeal
"Gardai are also appealing to any road users who were on the R395 at Teevrevagh, Castlepollard, between the early hours of Sunday, 30th June, and Tuesday, 2nd July, to contact Mullingar Garda Station on 044 938 4000.
"Anyone with information on any of these incidents can also contact the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
In another tragic incident nearby, a man in his 80s was killed in a road crash early this morning.
At around 5.30am, local gardai along with emergency services attended the scene of a two-car collision on the R394 at Gartlandstown, Mullingar to Castlepollard road in Co Westmeath.
Another local tragedy
A passenger in one of the vehicles, a man in his 80s, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of that vehicle, a woman in her 60s, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, where she continues to receive medical treatment in critical condition.
The driver of the second car, a male in his 30s, and the passenger, a male in his 20s, were taken to Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar for treatment of less serious injuries.
Gardai are appealing to any road users who may have been traveling on the R394 between Mullingar and Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, between 4.45 am and 5.45am this morning, Wednesday, July 3 2024, to contact Mullingar Garda Station on 044 938 4000.