'Everyone who met Irene loved her,' funeral of Athlone mother hears

Irene Lynch, the pregnant Athlone mother who died tragically after she was a passenger in a road accident in Galway, was remembered at her funeral Mass this week as a beautiful and caring person who "touched many hearts" during her life.

The 34-year-old, from St Ruth's Park, Athlone, died at University Hospital Galway on Monday, March 25. Ten days earlier, a vehicle in which she had been travelling collided with a wall and entered the water in the Menlo area of Galway city.

Ms Lynch, who has a son and daughter, and who previously lost an infant daughter, Lauren, was pregnant at the time of the accident and her unborn baby has since been named Grace.

At her funeral Mass in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul on Monday last, the chief celebrant, Fr Innocent Sunu, said, "Irene would have been impressed by the show of love the whole of Ireland, and the whole of Athlone, has shown her," since the tragic accident.

The local priest reflected on the untimely nature of her passing and the sense that her young life had ended much too soon.

“There is always going to be a feeling that there was so much more Irene could have done.

“So much more that life had to offer her. So much more she would have liked to do, if only circumstances had been kinder. It was not to be.

“But, if we are sad today, there is also much to be thankful for. We are grateful for the life she did have. Grateful for all the joy she brought into our lives.

“For you, her family, there is the comfort of knowing that you were able to show Irene, over the past weeks, how much you all loved and appreciated her.”

Mourners heard of how Irene Lynch had gone to college and was a devoted carer for elderly people.

“She adored caring for people, and she never gave up on anything. She knew that time was precious,” said Fr Innocent.

He added that, “Irene’s greatest strength was the love and support of her family... She had such loyal and devoted family and friends, who meant everything to her.”

In a heartbreaking tribute, Dymphna Lynch spoke of how much her sister would be missed.

“Irene was our beautiful sister, our baby sister. She had such a kind heart to everyone she met. She loved her son, Daniel, and her daughter, Isobel, with all her heart.

“Irene touched many hearts and many people throughout her life. Everyone that met her loved her. She had such a lovely aura about her,” said Dymphna.

“We will never forget her big personality and her friendly manner. That’s one thing she will never be forgotten for.”

“Irene, it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. You, Grace and Lauren are all together now. You will live on through your beautiful children, Daniel and Isobel,” she said, to applause in the church.

On behalf of the Lynch family, Irene’s brother Patrick said it had been “a hard 17 days since Irene’s accident,” and he thanked everyone for their support and for attending the funeral “to celebrate Irene’s life”.

Irene Lynch’s death is deeply regretted by her heartbroken son Daniel, daughter Isobel, parents Pat and Anne, sisters Dymphna, Marcella, Marina and Naomi, brothers Pat, Stephen and Breen, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends.

Following the Mass on Monday, her burial took place in Coosan cemetery.

May she rest in peace.