Tributes paid to elderly couple tragically killed in north Louth
Robert and Kathleen Marks were killed tragically in a road collision at Bush in north Louth on Thursday
The local community in Cooley is in mourning today following the tragic death of an elderly couple, named locally as Robert and Kathleen Marks, in a road collision on Thursday at Bush in north Louth.
The two-car crash happened at about 3.10pm on Thursday on the R173 at The Bush, with the couple pronounced dead at the scene.
The male driver of the other car and a female passenger, both in their 30s, were airlifted to Beaumont and the Mater hospitals in Dublin with serious injuries.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone who was travelling on the R173 between Dundalk and Carlingford between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Thursday to contact them. In particular, they would like anyone with footage of the area at that time to make it available to investigating Gardaí.
The local community in Cooley have paid tribute to the couple, who were well known in the area. Cooley Kickhams paid tribute to the couple on social media, Robert Marks was the club’s Honorary President.
The club said: “It is with great sadness that we learned yesterday of the tragic passing of our Honorary President, Robert, and his beloved wife, Kathleen.
“No words can soften the grief and pain being experienced by their family at this heartbreaking time. Robert and Kathleen were an integral part of their family’s lives and of the Cooley Kickhams community, and they will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing them.
“Robert held many roles within Cooley Kickhams over the years and was always someone who could be relied upon for sound advice, guidance and unwavering support, both on and off the pitch.
“His vast experience and knowledge, particularly from his time as Chairman, made him an invaluable figure within our club. Indeed, I believe that Robert and his son Sean hold the unique distinction of being the only father and son to have served as Chairmen of Cooley Kickhams.
“Robert and Kathleen were devoted supporters of Cooley Kickhams. Together, they attended as many matches as possible, regardless of the circumstances, and their loyal presence on the sidelines became a familiar and cherished sight.
“We will also greatly miss Robert’s attendance at our weekly lotto draws, where his wit, humour and remarkable knowledge of Louth football were always evident and enjoyed by everyone present.
“On behalf of everyone at Cooley Kickhams, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the family of Robert and Kathleen: their daughters, Karen and Gillian; their sons, former Chairman Sean and Niall; their husbands, wives, partners, grandchildren, extended family and many friends.”
Condolences were also shared on social media by local representative, Councillor Antóin Watters. Cllr Watters also shared Cooley Kickhams social media post, saying they were “beautiful words” and, “Thinking of the Marks family and friends at this difficult time. May Robert and Kathleen rest in eternal peace.”
Robert and Kathleen are survived by their children Gillian, Sean, Karen and Niall. Gillian works at Beyond Beauty in Dundalk. Paying tribute to her parents on social media, Beyone Beauty said: “We are all completely devastated. Robert and Kathleen were two of the kindest, warmest people you could ever have the privilege of knowing.
“Many of our clients will remember Kathleen in the salon on Saturdays, always with a smile and time for everyone. At this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Gillian, her family and all who knew and loved Robert and Kathleen.
“There are simply no words that can ease such an unimaginable loss, but we hope they find comfort in the love and support surrounding them. We at Beyond Beauty, we send all our love, strength and heartfelt condolences.”