Hundreds gather in Rathkeale for Christmas Eve vigil to remember hit-and-run victim

HUNDREDS of people have attended a solemn candlelight vigil in Rathkeale this Christmas Eve to remember Marguerita Sheridan, who tragically lost her life after a hit-and-run incident.

Grieving family, friends, and community members gathered at the crib in the local abbey grounds at 4pm to honour her memory and share their sorrow as they prepare for her funeral Mass.

Ms Sheridan sustained serious injuries in an incident involving a silver Ford Transit van at approximately 12:15pm on Saturday. She was rushed to University Hospital Limerick but was pronounced dead later that evening.

A man is due to appear before Limerick District Court this Christmas Eve in relation to the incident. 

Traffic came to a standstill in the west Limerick town at 4pm as mourners converged at the grotto on the town’s main street for the candlelight vigil.

Lilac balloons were released into the dimming evening sky before hymns, including Silent Night, were played. 

Huge crowds gathered this Christmas Eve for a solemn candlelight vigil in Rathkeale, honouring the memory of mother-of-one, Marguerita Sheridan, who tragically lost her life on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/x4UehvhaVn

— Limerick Leader / Limerick Live (@Limerick_Leader) December 24, 2024

The popular young woman had only given birth to her baby boy three weeks ago. 

People of all ages clutched tealight candles and sparklers, and said private prayers before the crowds began to disperse. Many young children visited the crib with their parents before making their way to their cars.

READ ALSO: Post-mortem conducted on body of Rathkeale woman who died following hit-and-run

In a message posted on Facebook earlier this Christmas Eve, Marguerita’s father John Sheridan thanked “the gardai, the nurses, the doctors, the priests, the settled people in Rathkeale, the travelling people and everyone for the messages”.

“The local shops, hotels for everything and everyone who called to my house and everyone over the world thank you,” he said.

“Rest in peace my beautiful daughter,” he continued. “Marguerita Sheridan, you are a true legend,” he concluded.

The post was accompanied by four broken-hearted emojis

A post-mortem has been conducted.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.