Gardaí and Irish Rail are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a mother-of-four who was struck by a train in County Sligo.
Jessica McLoughlin (40) from Cranmore in the county, died after being struck by the carriage steps of the Sligo-Dublin train in Ballysadare last Wednesday, June 14, just before 4 p.m.
Ms. McLoughlin was with her niece Rebecca McLoughlin. Rebecca was seriously injured but was able to attend the funeral on Monday on crutches.
At St. Anne’s Church in Sligo, Fr. Pat Lombard told mourners: “There has been such an outpouring of goodwill these last days and I wish to acknowledge the kindness and goodness of so many who have sympathized, who have sent good wishes, and who’ve offered prayers and have remembered.
“We are also indebted to the emergency services who so rapidly responded to Wednesday’s accidents, as they do for every critical incident. We sincerely thank all involved, as we do the staff of Sligo University Hospital for their dedicated and professional care. Rebecca, we welcome you to this mass, we give thanks that you’re recovering so well.”
Fr. Lombard also sent his good wishes and prayers to the train driver “who did all in his power to alert his presence on the line."
In a Facebook post Rebecca said: “Oh why Jess why did they have to take you, why couldn’t it have been me. You have four beautiful kids left behind you.
“You didn’t deserve this. I’m glad that we got to spend those last moments together though and I’ll not forget what I promised you. I’ll not take back my word. I’m in bits here, Jess. Why oh why did this have to happen?”
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus said people were in shock at news of the collision.
“This news really sent a shockwave through our town and county,” he said.
“It is incredibly sad and I’m sure many are struggling to make sense of it all. It is important we all come together and offer our support to everyone effected by this terrible tragedy.”
