News | 2 weeks ago

Details emerge of the woman killed by Hurricane Ophelia in Waterford

Hurricane Ophelia has ravaged Ireland since Monday morning and, tragically, three people have lost their lives over the course of the day.

Men were killed in Tipperary and Dundalk, and one woman was killed when a falling tree struck her car in Aglish, Co. Waterford.

It has since been reported that the name of the woman killed in Waterford was Clare O'Neill.

According to reporter Zara King, O'Neill was 58 years old and worked as a Cancer Support Coordinator. King further reported that O'Neill had been working in a cancer support centre in Youghal, Co. Cork. Waterford and Cork were two of the original eight counties to be issued a Red level threat warning before the warning was extended to the whole island.

#BREAKING First #Ophelia victim named as Clare O'Neill a Cancer Support Coordinator. Her car was hit by a tree in #Waterford @3NewsIreland pic.twitter.com/hEEvueG09i

— Zara King (@ZaraKing) October 16, 2017

Clare took up her new role at Cuan House in Youghal back in May. Tomorrow would've been her 59th birthday. #Opheila @3NewsIreland

— Zara King (@ZaraKing) October 16, 2017

Ireland's National Emergency Coordination Group have said that the three "fatalities emphasise the dangers posed by the storm during this period." They have continued to warn people to remain indoors until the storm passes in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Motorists are advised against making any non-essential journeys, and everyone is advised to stay well clear of coastal areas and waterways.