Funeral arrangements announced for Limerick relative of JFK after collision

FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for a Limerick lady whose life was “a testament to compassion, love and service”.

Margaret Irwin, aged in her 60s, of Manister, Croom went to her eternal reward in Cork University Hospital on Wednesday, September 9 - a fortnight after a road traffic collision in County Limerick.

The two-vehicle road traffic incident at Uregare Cross, Bruff - on the R512 road to Kilmallock - occurred on Thursday, August 27.

Ms Irwin suffered critical injuries which she sadly succumbed to. The tragedy is compounded by Ms Irwin’s father - Andrew (Andy) Connolly, of Knocklong, passing away at the end of July. Mr Connolly, who was in his 91st year, passed away in University Hospital Limerick.

Ms Irwin, who is a descendant of Thomas Fitzgerald and relative of former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, is pre-deceased by her parents Andy and Kathleen Connolly, and nephew Thomas.

She is sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband Jim, sons Garry, Richard, Steven and Terry, daughter Nicola, daughters-in-law Sarah and Kumi, son-in-law Phil, her adored grandchildren Matthew, Jake, Kyler and Finn, brothers John and David, sisters Patricia (Culbert) and twin-sister Catherine (Doherty), brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and her many friends.

Reposal takes place this Tuesday, September 15 at St Michael's Church, Manister from 6pm to 7.30pm.

Ms Irwin’s funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, September 16 at 11.30am with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Countless touching tributes have been paid to Ms Irwin on rip.ie including from one person who expressed their sympathies to her family and friends on their “profound loss of a beautiful soul”.

“Her life was a testament to compassion, love and service. She gave her time not for recognition, but because she believed in the power of love, compassion and service to others. Margaret worked tirelessly on projects, especially the Thomas Fitzgerald Centre, Bruff, which was close to her heart. She proudly reminded me that JFK was a relative, and his ancestors came from Bruff.

“Her sudden passing leaves a silence words can barely touch, yet her spirit continues in every life she touched, every cause she championed, and every heart she inspired. Though the road accident took her from us too soon, her journey of kindness and dedication will never end.”

The mourner wrote movingly that Ms Irwin touched countless lives quietly but profoundly, leaving behind memories that will continue to inspire generations.

“I know you all have beautiful memories of Margaret on life's journey; may these memories become treasures of the heart and be a source of comfort and consolation in times ahead. Aoibhneas alainn sa bhFlaitheas di.”

May she rest in peace.