TD's mother-in-law killed by car in Cork tragedy while buying GAA lotto ticket

The tragic passing of a woman in her 70s following a freak road traffic collision in county Cork has plunged her many friends and family across the Mid-West into grief.

Mary Fehilly, of Holy Cross Place, Charleville and late of Clonroosk, Feenagh, passed away in Cork University Hospital on Saturday, November 2, after she was struck by a car that had mounted a kerb in Charleville.

It's understood that the grandmother of ten was purchasing a lotto ticket at a stand for Charleville GAA on Main Street when the tragic accident occured.

A second pedestrian - a club offical aged in his 60s - suffered serious injuries. His condition is said to be stable.

In a post on social media, Charleville GAA extended their "deepest sympathies to the Fehilly family following the tragic death of Mary".

"Our thoughts and prayers are also with all the other families involved".

The club also announced that their lotto draw for this week "will be cancelled as a mark of respect".

Son-in-law and Clare TD Cathal Crowe said, in a moving tribute, that he struck gold when he married into the amazing Fehilly family. 

“The fabulous lynchpin of that family was Mary Fehilly. We are absolutely heartbroken to have tragically lost Mary this weekend. She was the most wonderful mother to Maeve and her siblings and an adoring wife to George.

“Mary, there will not be the likes of you again. Sleep gently with the angels,” said Deputy Crowe.

The Clare TD said on social media that he is taking a few days out of the election campaign to prioritise his family.

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Local Fianna Fail councillor Ian Doyle said there is a "deep sense of shock" in Charleville following the accident. and described the late Mary Fehilly as "a saint". 

“Without question she was a saint. She was so well known for her kindness and charitable work. She was involved with the local church and local charities," he said.

“She was quiet and unassuming, but she got things done.

“There is a deep sense of shock and sadness in the town today and people are shocked by such a freak accident."

Mary’s passing is deeply regretted by loving husband George, children Nollaig (O’Connor), Siobhán (Byrne), Pádraig, Maeve (Crowe) and Gearóid; cherished grandchildren Eoghan, Aisling, Keelin, Darragh, Sam, Charlie, Eve, Saoirse, Caoimhe and Josh; siblings Catherine (Moylan), Brid (Lally), Joan (Forrestal), Liam; sons-in-law Liam, James and Cathal; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives including Mary and Martin, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

In her death notice published this Sunday, the family thanked all of the first responders - An Garda Síochána, Charleville Fire Brigade, Helimed, all Good Samaritans who assisted, and the doctors and nurses of Cork University Hospital for their care and kindness shown to Mary and her family.

One mourner wrote on rip.e, “Mary was a very special lady”.

Another mourner described her as "a lovely person and a great help and friend to all our family over the many years she shared with us".

"Always lovely to meet in Charleville for a chat with a friendly smile," they continued. 

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

May she rest in peace.