During a funeral that took place in Swinford, Co Mayo this Saturday, a mother and daughter, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident earlier this week, were remembered as inseparable and the best of friends. 46-year-old Aisling Moore and her 8-year-old child, Abbigael Tournié Moore, were mourned by a sorrow-stricken community.
Family members, including Arnaud Tournié, Abbigael’s father, shared their memories of the deceased. Mr Tournié spoke fondly of the joyful times he spent with Aisling and Abbigael on Enniscrone beach, his voice filled with pride and love for his little girl who was, in his words, his “radiating sweet light”. He believes his beloved daughter to be among the stars now, illuminating the universe with her presence.
Mr Tournié also mentioned the extraordinary talent his daughter possessed, attributing it to her mother’s influence and the unyielding connection they had.
The mourners were also addressed by Stephen Moore, Aisling’s brother. He took the opportunity to express his gratitude towards everyone who had shown empathy and generosity towards their grieving family during this difficult period of tremendous sorrow. Stephen also assured them that despite the evolving world, the spirit of kindness and unity in the community of Mayo continues to thrive.
Stephen remembered his sister and niece as two stunning and kind-hearted souls who were inseparable in life. They were more than just a mother-daughter duo; they were confidantes, advisors, and brought joy to those around them with their humorous antics. He stated that they essentially defined each other’s lives, which makes their loss unbearably tragic. However, he does find solace in the fact that their inseparable bond will endure in eternity, just as it did in life.
Stephen remarked that the qualities of Aisling could be vividly seen in Abbie, from her charismatic demeanour, comforting aura, self-assuredness, physical agility, affinity for drama and comedy acting, zest, along with her appreciation for dance, music and poetry. The pair, residents of Cois Coille in Swinford, tragically lost their lives in a car accident involving a lorry on the N26 route between Foxford and Swinford last Tuesday evening.
Honour guards were arranged as Aisling and Abbigael embarked on their last journey side by side towards Kilconduff Cemetery after a jointly-held Requiem Mass. The two white caskets with their remains were transferred from the church to a waiting hearse just past 1.15pm.
Groups such as the Swinford Athletic Club, faculty and students of St Aidan’s National School in Kiltimagh where Abbigael attended, members of Kiltimagh GAA Club and acquaintances from EMC Dance Club, including their parents, all formed parts of the honour guard from the Church to the burial ground.
Fr Dermot Meehan led the funeral Mass service, with assistance from Fr Padraig Costello. Fr Costello was also the one to deliver the last rites at the scene of the tragic incident on Tuesday.