‘Horrendous week’: Four tragic deaths in four days in Limerick

A MUM-of-three, a dad-of-two and two young men are being laid to rest this week after four tragedies in four days.

Their communities in the city, Feenagh, Caherconlish and Glin have been left reeling at the shock and suddenness of their deaths.

Minister of State Niall Collins described it as a “horrendous week”.

Robert Duggan, aged in his 30s, of Smith O’Brien Avenue, Killeely, Limerick city, passed away following a house fire, a tragic accident, on Thursday, September 17. He was pronounced dead at the scene in Killeely following the attendance of emergency services.

Elizabeth (Liz) Lynch, aged 44, died after a septic tank trench collapsed in Kilmeedy on Friday afternoon, September 18. She was immediately rescued from the trench but was pronounced deceased at the scene.

It is understood that Liz was assisting with the construction of a house at the time. In a double tragedy, it is the same property that her brother Timothy Lynch Jnr was working on when he also passed away suddenly last November.

On Saturday night, September 19, Brendan T O’Regan, a recent graduate of environmental science at University of Limerick, and a current Masters student, passed away after suffering a medical emergency at work. The young man from Caherconlish was employed by The Locke with their businesses in the city centre closing on Sunday as a mark of respect.

Two more families are also reeling after a fatal road traffic collision on the N21 at Cummeen, Adare, in the early hours of Sunday morning, September 20. The driver, Nathan Browne, aged in his early 20s, from Glin, was fatally injured while a male passenger, aged in his 20s, was left in a critical condition. A second passenger received non-life threatening injuries. It will be the 10th anniversary next month of Mr Browne’s father, Martin John, who died from an illness.

Mr Duggan, meanwhile, was laid to rest on Tuesday in Castlemungret Cemetery, Mungret after Requiem Mass in St Munchin’s Church, Clancy Strand.

Countless tributes have been paid to Mr Duggan who was described as “a true gentleman and character” and “would do anything for anyone”.

Mum-of-three Ms Lynch, well known in GAA and coaching circles, is also fondly remembered.

Mr Collins said there is a “numbness” across west Limerick following the passing of Ms Lynch. “It is just such an awful tragedy - and less than a year after her brother passed away - that it has stopped everybody in their tracks. Everybody’s thoughts are with her family and especially her three young boys.

“Liz was the very definition of a community person and her loss will be keenly felt by so many in the days, months and years ahead. I know the local communities will rally around and support the family in any way they can just like Liz did for others,” said Mr Collins.

Ms Lynch will repose at her parents home in Feenagh this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm to 8pm on each day. Arriving at St Ita's Church, Feenagh on Saturday for Requiem Mass at 12.30pm. After the Mass, Ms Lynch will be laid to rest in Feenagh Cemetery.

Mr O’Regan, described as a “joyful, bubbly character” will repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home this Thursday from 5.30pm to 7pm. His funeral will arrive to Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Castletroy on Friday for Requiem Mass at 11.30am followed by private cremation.

Balloons were released in memory of Mr Browne by his friends at Glin Pier on Tuesday night. Cllr John Sheahan said: “We will all rally to comfort his family in this devastating time for them.”

Reposing in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Glin, (V94 YC66) on Thursday, September 24 from 5pm until 7pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated in Glin on Friday, September 25 at noon followed by burial in Kilfergus Cemetery, Glin

May they all rest in peace.