Tributes for Donegal woman and daughters after crash
A woman who died along with her two daughters in a crash in County Mayo was originally from County Donegal, it has emerged.
Úna Bowden, 47, and daughters Ciara, 14, and nine-year-old Saoirse died when their car and a lorry collided on the N17 near Claremorris on Tuesday.
The lorry driver was not seriously injured in the crash. The road reopened on Wednesday morning.
Ms Bowden was originally from Raphoe and was a past pupil of the Royal and Prior School.
The family had been living in the Maigh Cuilinn area of County Galway, where they were involved in local sports organisations, including Oughterard rugby club.
The girls were former players with the club while their mother provided IT support on a voluntary basis.
Oughterard Rugby Club spokeswoman Julie Ann Brown told BBC News NI they were devastated by the tragedy and their thoughts were with Úna's husband, David, who was working abroad when it happened.
"Saoirse and Ciara were such beautiful girls," she said.
"They both played an active part in Oughterard rugby and were members of the girls side of it.
"They were very involved both on the sideline and on the pitch and will be very fondly remembered."
Ms Browns said the two girls had "beautiful big smiles that lit up any room or any playing field".
"Úna provided us with invaluable IT support, especially during the Covid crisis.
"We're all in immense shock here in Oughterard rugby club.
"Three vibrant young ladies gone too soon."
Ciara was a first year student at Salerno secondary school in Salthill, Galway city, while Saoirse was a 4th class pupil at Scoil Bhríde, Tullokyne, Maigh Cuilinn.
Úna's husband, David, is a project manager and was working in Ethiopia when the crash happened.
The Department of Foreign Affairs was tasked with getting in contact to inform him of the tragedy before he could return to Ireland.
The family were remembered at a service at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Maigh Cuilinn.
Parish Priest Fr Martin Whelan said the local community had been left "so devastated".
He said Úna was very involved in the community from the parents' association to fundraising for schools and the family were very involved in sports clubs and social clubs.
"It was an opportunity for the community to gather also," he said.
