Funeral details for tragic Westmeath crash couple announced

Shane Gilchrist (23) and Saoirse Corrigan (21) of Castlepollard in Co. Westmeath died when the car they were travelling in collided with another vehicle on the N52 in Kells at approximately 4.15pm.

While Saoirse was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, Shane was rushed to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, but died en route.

The driver of the second car, a woman aged in her 20s, was brought to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, where she later passed away. Her passengers, a 12-year-old boy and two baby girls, were brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda to be treated for their injuries.

Ms Corrigan’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, 5th January in St. John The Baptist Church, Whitehall, Castlepollard at 12.30pm.

Her burial will take place in the adjoining cemetery after the service.

A notice on RIP.ie reads: “The death has occurred, on Friday 31st December, of Saoirse Corrigan, Whitehall, Castlepollard, tragically, following an accident.

“Pre-deceased by her grandfather Michael. Deeply regretted by her loving mother Orlene, loving father Michael, Andy, Keri, brothers Cathal and Cillian, sisters Brónagh and Gráinne, grandparents Michael-John, Josephine and Beatrice, uncles, aunts, extended family, all the staff and students at St. Clare's College, Ballyjamesduff and a wide circle of friends.

“May Saoirse's gentle soul rest in peace."

Saoirse will lie in repose at her residence, Tuesday 4th January from 4pm to 8pm.

Mourners are advised not to shake hands and the wake is walk by only. The house will be strictly private thereafter.

Her funeral mass will be held in St. John The Baptist Church, Whitehall at 12.30pm on Wednesday, January 5 followed by burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

Mr Gilchrist’s funeral will take place on Thursday, 6th January at 11.30am in St. Michael's Church, Castlepollard.

A burial will take place in the adjoining cemetery afterwards.

A notice on RIP.ie reads: “The death has occurred on the 31st December of Shane Gilchrist, Castlepollard, tragically following an accident.

“Pre-deceased by his brother Joey. Deeply regretted by his loving mother Trisha, loving father David, brothers Luke, Bryan, Peter, sister Emma. Grandparents Johnny, Maureen, George and Imelda, uncles, aunts, extended family, The Hurling community and a wide circle of friends.

“May Shane's gentle soul rest in peace.

"Reposing at his residence Wednesday 5th January from 4pm until 8pm. In order to comply with current guidelines, hand shaking is not advised. This is walk by only. House strictly private thereafter."