Funeral of young Derry woman tragically struck by Garda car takes place

The Requiem Mass for Rebecca Browne, the young Derry woman killed in a tragic accident outside Buncrana, has just ended.

Rebecca (21) a popular hairdresser in the city, died after being struck by a Garda patrol car at Ludden in the early hours of Sunday morning.

From the Galliagh area of Derry, she is survived by her parents, Jeremiah and Lynn, brother Ethan, grandfather Michael Browne, grandfather Ray Smith and a wide circle of family and friends. 

Mourners at the funeral of Rebecca Browne.

Rebecca’s Requiem Mass was celebrated by Reverend Michael McCaughey, PP, St Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn and concelebrated by Fr Thomas, a local Franciscan Friar.

Welcoming the mourners present in St Joseph’s Church, Galliagh, and those attending Rebecca’s funeral online, Fr McCaughey said: “We come together in the midst of pain and struggle and we come together with the question, ‘Why?’, as we come to celebrate our Mass this morning in that life and love of Rebecca Browne. 

“And in coming together, we pray for her soul, we thank God for her short but full life. And so too we pray for her parents. We pray for her brother and the entire family circle and neighbours and friends who cherished the love and the memory of her life and her love, a girl who loved photographs, who loved creating memories.

Funeral arrangements for Derry's Rebecca Browne

Rebecca Browne to be laid to rest on Friday

“And the memories of the last few days for her family will be so important in the time to come. The remarkable kindness of people in the midst of pain and sadness they have experienced has been, for them, overwhelming.

“We gather this morning, entrusting Rebecca to God’s love, to God’s embrace and praying that friendship of Christ into the hearts of so many people who are broken and who are just so sad to be here this morning.

“I welcome you. There has been a remarkable spirit of generosity. The family tell me of even receiving letters from people right across the country over the last few days. That has touched them,” said Fr McCaughey.

In his Homily, Fr McCaughey said: “Today, in our sadness and anguish, we ask the help of Jesus Christ.”

He added: “Unexpected death hits all of us with appalling suddenness. Many of you still cannot take in the reality of the last few days as we gather to celebrate Rebecca’s Funeral Mass. 

“We feel that shock, confusion the Disciples in the Gospel felt. Rebecca Browne had a place in the lives and the plans and expectations of many people. Like the Disciples, we can still hope. The Disciples had to learn that the overturning of their plans and expectations, even the death of Jesus Christ, was not the end of everything. 

“God’s ways are not our ways. He calls us along paths at times, we would never have chosen. God’s plans are greater than ours and at times we cannot understand and they sometimes shatter our expectations. 

“On a morning like this, we feel helpless, we are not at peace, we have forgotten what happiness is. But in the darkness, remember the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.”

Fr McCaughey added: “In times like this we realise the power of love and support. 

“Pain and the heartbreak has been seen in the last few days, in the early hours of Sunday morning, Rebecca and Leah were out together full of life but soon all was to change. 

“What has been remarkable has been the care and the love and the sense of neighbour and friends since then. People have come together in grief, sharing stories, memories, a laugh to help each other. 

“This is all carried out in a spirit of love because Rebecca Browne was someone who radiated life and love in her own way. A people person, she brought out the good in people. Rebecca was someone who was so much loved and respected in life by family, friends and work colleagues. 

“In her death, family and friends are touched by that sense of loss. The expression of grief is unreal. St  St Thérèse's Primary School, St Brigid’s College, The Tech for Hairdressing, Rebecca was a people person. 

“She was talented. She was impressive. She had a great rapport with people, from her friends to her clients, to her wonderful care of little baby Rhianna, to her care of her brother Ethan, even though at times they fought over the remote control. A daughter caring for her father, involving him in Tiktok at times. A simple kindness to her Mum because they loved each other. 

“She valued time and she valued people. She enjoyed fun and we can see that in the life and the love of the last few days,” said Fr McCaughey.

In a poignant online post on Thursday, Sage Hair and Beauty, where Rebecca worked, said her parents had made the decision to have her funeral cortege drive past the salon on Spencer Road in the Waterside, following her funeral Mass.

It said: “The time will be between 11.15am and 11.30am. This is just to let all of our clients know, in case any of you wanted to stand outside to pay your respects & say your goodbyes to our gorgeous Becca. It would mean the world to us.”

Rebecca was laid to rest in Derry’s City Cemetery.

Rebecca Browne: Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.