Condolences and tributes for a mother and her two daughters who tragically lost their lives in a fatal road accident on N17 near Claremorris, Co Mayo have been flooding in. The sad demise of Una (47), Ciara (14) and Saoirse (9) Bowden on Tuesday has left their hometown, Moycullen in west Galway, in a state of sorrow.
The grief-stricken father and husband, David Bowden, who serves as a project manager for the United Nations in Ethiopia, is now journeying back home. The local community and various social clubs in the village where the Bowdens have been active participants are airing their woe and sympathy.
Fr Martin Whelan, parish priest of Moycullen, shared with RTÉ Radio 1′s Morning Ireland programme that the late Una was a proactive member of the parents’ association at a local school, assisting with various fundraising initiatives. Purchasing and restoring a cottage on the far side of the parish signified their move from the village, he added.
During the traditional Holy Week Wednesday service, Fr Whelan helped lead prayers dedicating attention towards the family, bringing the community together in remembrance. Further gatherings have been scheduled by the schools and local sports clubs on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, he disclosed, with additional support from the National Education Psychological Service.
Julieanne Browne, a local school worker, reflected on the loss of three “beautiful, kind, loving, caring” personalities. She praised the Bowdens as “joyful” and “multitalented”, particularly noting their fondness for sports and their roles in the local choir. “The sight of their broad smiles at the girls’ rugby games and their involvement in the rugby club will be sorely missed,” she shared on Morning Ireland.
The community is reeling following the unexpected incident. The people are united in their reactions, turning to their faith in the local church to find solace. They’re having conversations with their children about what has transpired, explained Ms Browne.
Highlighting the importance of communication, particularly for the younger generation, she emphasised how essential it is for the children to be informed about what happened. Rather than avoiding the subject, they should be encouraged to remember Ciara, Saoirse, and Una for their vibrant personalities, expressed through conversations about them. They should be remembered through their radiant smiles and unique energies.
Describing the siblings as reserved but positively energetic, Ms Browne noted how their smiles had a transformative effect on everyone around them. Their photos bear testament to their unique energies and their ability to bring life to any room or playing field. Their vibrant spirits form a beautiful memory and a wonderful legacy.
Cian Ryhill, a fellow basketball player, lamented the loss of Ciara. The news has rocked the club to its core. She was a standout young player who had been with the team for several years. Her impending trip to Limerick with the Under-14 Galway team is one of the many reminders of the enormity of this tragedy. The club’s thoughts are with her loved ones and team members.
Adrian Devane, a resident of Moycullen, recounted how his children were part of many of the same activities and attended the same school as Ciara and Saoirse. His wife had also taught one of them. He fondly recollected his last conversation with Una, where they chatted about Easter and school plans. The Bowden family had settled in Moycullen several years ago and had actively participated in various local activities and sports, from Gaelic football and camogie to rugby and art.
This heartbreaking news has resulted in a palpable sense of shock throughout the village, Mr Devane expressed.
Measures have been taken to support the community in these challenging times, with grief counselling services put in place in schools and clubs for children, parents, and friends. Parents are seeking guidance from these counsellors, serving as a reminder that patience is key in coping with grief.
A local congregation had assembled at the neighbourhood church the past Wednesday for a prayer meeting in support of the family, offering consolation. The family was described as being highly interactive, participating in every community activity.
Mr. Devane revealed his knowledge of Mr. Bowden’s work commitment with the UN overseas, projecting his return around the Easter period.
The tragic accident happened while his wife and daughters were either enroute or coming back from paying a visit to her father in Raphoe.