Donegal crash victim's 'vibrant spirit' recalled at funeral

The heartbroken mother of Donegal's latest road traffic victim bravely attended her daughter's funeral on Wednesday.

Mary McDermott, who is in her 70s, was injured in the road traffic collision at Quigley's Point on Friday night in which her daughter Donna lost her life.

Accompanied by medics staff, Mary was present at St Mary's Church, Ballybrace, for her beloved daughter's funeral on a hospital trolley.

Prayers were offered by Fr Colm O'Doherty for Ms McDermott Snr's full recovery.

Donna was remembered as a “real livewire” whose bubbly personality endeared her to so many people.

A a native of Ballymacarthur, Greencastle who was aged in her 30s, became the fifth person to die on Donegal's roads in the last two weeks when she lost her life in a two-vehicle road traffic collision at Quigley's Point on Friday night.

“It is almost impossible to find the right words to portray some sort of understanding or comfort to her family and her many friends,” Fr O'Doherty told her funeral Mass.

“So many lives will be changed forever. The fact that Donna was so young makes it more poignant.”

Donna's life was remembered by touching symbols that rested at the altar.

They included a portrait of her family, “the heart and soul of her life,” said Fr O'Doherty. A Moville jersey was also carried forward in honour of a woman recalled as a dedicated member of a community she took pride in and a sportsperson who played soccer, Gaelic football and basketball.

A set of darts were taken up to remember a keen darts thrower who was a regular participant at the Ferryport Bar.

Fr O'Doherty said Donna had “a vibrant spirit and a sense of humour that will be missed by all who knew her”.

“It is a strange situation to be in, a young life taken away so suddenly,” he said.

Donna was predeceased by her father Brendan and will be remembered by her mother Mary, siblings Brendan, Brian, Danielle and Richard, her partner Robert, sister-in-law Margaret, brother-in-law Will, Nikita and Andrea.

The fatal crash occurred at around 11.15pm at Carrowkeel, Quigley's Point, Muff and Ms McDermott was a rear seat passenger in one of the cars involved and is the 13th person to lose their life on Donegal's roads so far in 2024.

Fr O'Doherty attended the scene in the early hours of Saturday.

He recalled how members of the emergency servcies, some of whom knew the deceased, formed a circle and joined him in a sombre prayer. He thanked them for the kindness and dignity that they showed.

Fr O'Doherty said: “That little moment showed how special this community is, especially at times of trouble.

“The whole community rallies around and can't do enough for any family that needs help. It is a special gift of togetherness that is the hallmark of this community. Never underestimate that.”

Fr O'Doherty said Donna was a “real livewire in life. Her bubbly personality endeared her to so many”.

Work colleagues at Centra in Moville paid tribute to a woman they said was a 'force of nature'.

“For years you were the heart and soul of our Centra family,” Centra Moville said.

“Front and centre with the craic and shenanigans on our nights out and in. First to lend a hand to whatever we were doing, from putting the fun into our fundraising, knowing who to call on if something needed fixing and you couldn’t do it!!

“Dropping everything to help a friend, the biggest heart and that funny wee laugh, making the tough days easier, making the good times even better.

“You really were a force of nature, they say that stars that shine the brightest only burn for half as long. And you shone bright, Donzo.

“We will remember you with love in our hearts and smiles on our faces.”

Donna was travelling in an Opel Mokka with her mother and partner, both of whom received medical treatment.

The driver of the second car, a blue Volkswagen Beetle, was detained at the scene after failing a roadside breath test.

The 19-year-old male, who was uninjured, was then released and it is understood that a sample taken will be analysed by Forensic Science Ireland before any charges are brought.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time of the collision to make this footage available to Gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”