“She was a bright light.”
Funeral details have been announced for Zoey Coffey (18), one of the four young people whose lives were lost in the tragic road crash in Tipperary last Friday evening (25 August).
Zoey, Grace McSweeney (18) and Nicole Murphy (18), were being driven by Grace’s brother Luke (24) to a Leaving Cert results celebration party when the vehicle they were travelling in struck a wall and overturned at Hillview, Mountain Road in Clonmel.
All four people died at the scene.
The town has been left heartbroken following the single-vehicle collision, with thousands gathering to pay their respects at a vigil on Sunday evening.
The four victims of the Tipperary crash – Nicole Murphy, Luke McSweeney, Grace McSweeney and Zoey Coffey
The death notice for Zoey on RIP.ie reads:
“It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and tragic death of our daughter and sister, Zoey Coffey, Lake Drive, Kilsheelan, who was taken from us far too soon. Zoey died on the 25th August 2023, alongside her friends.
“Zoey will be forever missed by her heartbroken parents Demelza Fraher and John Coffey, sisters Clara, Anna, Olivia and Piper, nanny Eileen, grandfather John Coffey senior, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.”
Numerous tributes have since been left in the condolences section of Zoey’s RIP.ie page.
“A bright light”
One person wrote: “Sincere condolences to all of Zoey’s family. I had the pleasure of knowing Zoey in St Oliver’s N S. She had the most beautiful smile and was always so friendly and happy.
“May she rest in eternal peace and may God give you all the strength to get through this awful sad time.”
Another said: “I had the pleasure of teaching Zoey in St Olivers N.S. My memory of Zoey is a bright, happy, friendly little girl with a beautiful smile.
“My sincere condolences to Zoey’s parents, sisters and extended family at this heartbreaking time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Zoey.”
Flowers left near the scene of the Tipperary crash – Image via Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Another person wrote: “We are heartbroken at the sudden loss of Zoey. She was a bright light in our workplace and her warmth, kindness and enthusiasm touched us all. She will be deeply missed.
“Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May her memory bring comfort and strength to you all at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.”
Zoey will lie in repose at O’Donoghue’s Funeral Home in Clonmel on Friday, 1 September from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Her funeral mass will then take place on Saturday, 2 September at 11.30am in Ss. Peter & Paul’s Church, which will be followed by her burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. The mass will be live-streamed at this link.
Funeral details have already been announced for the other victims of the Tipperary crash.
Grace and Luke’s funeral mass will take place on Friday at 11.30am in Ss. Peter and Paul’s Church in Clonmel, while Nicole’s will be taking place at midday on Thursday at St John the Baptist Church in Kilcash.
Read more:
- Thousands gather at vigil for Clonmel car accident victims
- Clonmel crash victims achieved “excellent results” in Leaving Cert as schools pay tribute
- The four young people killed in Tipperary Leaving Cert crash have been named
- Four young people killed in ‘nightmare’ crash on way to Leaving Cert party
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