Community stricken over deaths of young Limerick mother and her baby

THERE are “no words” to describe the accidental deaths of Marie Downey and her four-day-old baby boy, Darragh, said Fr Joseph Shire.

“It is unexplainable. It is a double tragedy,” said the parish priest of Castletown-Ballyagran. 

Thirty six-year-old Marie Downey (née Cullinane) grew up in Ballyagran before moving to Knockanevin, Kildorrery to build a life with her beloved husband, Kieran. They had two sons – James and Sean – and were looking forward to the arrival of their third child at the weekend. 

The baby boy was found seriously injured, partially underneath his dead mother by shocked Cork University Maternity Hospital staff shortly after 7am on Monday. The newborn, who was named Darragh, lost his fight for life on Tuesday evening.

The hospital is investigating the circumstances of the freak tragedy. The HSE said the deaths were a “tragic occurrence”. A file will be submitted to the Cork coroner for an inquest at a later date.

The only child of highly-respected dairy farmers – Jim and Helen Cullinane – has been described as a “wonderful mother” who “lived for her children”.

Fr Shire said he was going to say prayers with Marie’s family on Wednesday night.

“The parish will be very caring and supportive of Jim and Helen and her husband, Kieran. All the neighbours are very good and very supportive.

“I was there with the family yesterday [Tuesday] morning and I expressed our sincerest sympathies. We will give them all the support they need at this very tough time,” said Fr Shire, who confirmed he will be saying the funeral Mass on Saturday at 1pm in Ballyagran church.

Marie and Darragh will be laid to rest together after what will be one of the saddest funerals in living memory in County Limerick.

Local councillor, Richard O’Donoghue said Marie was a regular visitor to her parents in Ballyagran. 

“She idolised her parents and her parents idolised her. They are such a tight knit family, they lived for their children. The eldest boy started school in September.  My own sympathies go to both families – Marie’s husband, her parents and her parents-in-law,” said Cllr O’Donoghue.

He said the Cullinane family have many relations in Bruree and Granagh, including the Sheehan sisters who are synonymous with Limerick camogie. A huge Limerick hurling fan, Marie proudly lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup when it came to Kildorrery in recent weeks.

“They are great parish people. They involve themselves in their communities and get stuck in. They are decent, country people. It is a terrible tragedy,” said Cllr O’Donoghue.

Cllr Mike Donegan said the whole of south Limerick is in shock and mourning for Marie and Darragh. “Words don’t do it justice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families,” he said. Marie was an employee of Novartis in Ringaskiddy. The company said she will be “fondly remembered”.

May Marie and Darragh rest in peace.