Former Kerry hurler killed in US car crash

[Ash Smoker]

Parishes mourn couple killed in US

The grief-stricken relatives of an Irish couple killed in a car crash in the US were tonight making plans to bring their bodies home.

Two parishes in Kerry and Galway were plunged into mourning when Joe and Ann O'Connell died in a collision which left their three children orphaned.

The couple, who emigrated to the US a number of years ago, were travelling with their youngsters to the US west coast for a holiday when the crash happened in Iowa.

Their three children, aged 10, 13, and 16, were injured when the vehicle flipped over, rolling at least twice before landing back on its wheels.

It is understood their 16-year-old daughter was driving just months after getting her learner's permit.

Mr O'Connell (50) originally from Causeway in Co Kerry, was a former All Ireland medal winning Kerry hurler.

His elderly mother Mae, a widow, is being comforted by her other son William.

Meanwhile, his wife's family are due to travel from their home in Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway, to the US to make arrangements to take their bodies home.

Fr Brendan Walsh, Causeway Parish Priest, said it was still not known when the remains will be flown back to Ireland.

"The family are devastated," said Fr Walsh.

"There has been a steady stream of people coming through offering their prayers and support." Mrs O'Connell, nee Coleman, was also a well-known former Galway camogie player and her family had strong links with the GAA.

The 44-year-old had won a Junior Title with the Galway Camogie team in 1988 and also played with Castlegar, St Coleman's in Gort, Athenry and Glen Rovers in Cork.

A member of a well known sporting family, her brother Michael won All Ireland hurling titles with Galway in the '80s while another sibling Mattie had a distinguished career with Galway footballers.

Abbeyknockmoy Parish Priest Fr Joseph O'Brien said the whole community is devastated by the tragic news of Mrs O'Connell's death.

"She was a very well known girl and this is very sad for all the family and everyone she knew," said Fr O'Brien.

"She is from a large family family which is involved in every aspect of life around here.

"They are getting great support from each other and the community." The Department of Foreign Affairs is giving consular assistance to the couple's families.

[Ash Smoker]

Is the late Mrs. O'Connell any relation to the great Michael Coleman - former Galway hurler?

[Tatler Jack]

A sister. Terrible tagedy. Condolences to both families.

[orangeman]

Shocking news altogether.

[INDIANA]

Terrible to hear. Hope the children survive.

[heffo]

RIP

[the colonel]

Parishes mourn couple killed in US

The grief-stricken relatives of an Irish couple killed in a car crash in the US were tonight making plans to bring their bodies home.

Two parishes in Kerry and Galway were plunged into mourning when Joe and Ann O'Connell died in a collision which left their three children orphaned.

The couple, who emigrated to the US a number of years ago, were travelling with their youngsters to the US west coast for a holiday when the crash happened in Iowa.

Their three children, aged 10, 13, and 16, were injured when the vehicle flipped over, rolling at least twice before landing back on its wheels.

It is understood their 16-year-old daughter was driving just months after getting her learner's permit.

Mr O'Connell (50) originally from Causeway in Co Kerry, was a former All Ireland medal winning Kerry hurler.

His elderly mother Mae, a widow, is being comforted by her other son William.

Meanwhile, his wife's family are due to travel from their home in Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway, to the US to make arrangements to take their bodies home.

Fr Brendan Walsh, Causeway Parish Priest, said it was still not known when the remains will be flown back to Ireland.

"The family are devastated," said Fr Walsh.

"There has been a steady stream of people coming through offering their prayers and support." Mrs O'Connell, nee Coleman, was also a well-known former Galway camogie player and her family had strong links with the GAA.

The 44-year-old had won a Junior Title with the Galway Camogie team in 1988 and also played with Castlegar, St Coleman's in Gort, Athenry and Glen Rovers in Cork.

A member of a well known sporting family, her brother Michael won All Ireland hurling titles with Galway in the '80s while another sibling Mattie had a distinguished career with Galway footballers.

Abbeyknockmoy Parish Priest Fr Joseph O'Brien said the whole community is devastated by the tragic news of Mrs O'Connell's death.

"She was a very well known girl and this is very sad for all the family and everyone she knew," said Fr O'Brien.

"She is from a large family family which is involved in every aspect of life around here.

"They are getting great support from each other and the community." The Department of Foreign Affairs is giving consular assistance to the couple's families.

[AZOffaly]

Awful sad. Imagine the poor young girl that was driving. My prayers are with them all.

[Lecale2]

Very sad. RIP

[Bing Crosby .]

Lord have mercy on their souls . I feel terribly for the poor girl driving the car .      Please God time will heal the pain for those poor children .

[Seamus]

RIP Joby and Ann

Joby was my second cousin. My heart goes out to the children.

[stevecw]

Thats so sad. RIP to the couple. Oh god the poor 16 yo driver what must she be feeling, i feel so so sorry for that poor girl 

[Bud Wiser]

There you go lads, puts life in perspective.  Was with Anne's brother last night and the reality still had not sunk in.  It is a tough time and yesterdays headlines on the Herald that someone left on the counter in front of us did not help or the fact that TV3 were down around his elderly mothers house last night.  Did not know Joe that well but I was told that apart from hurling for Kerry the Coleman brothers persuaded him to hurl for Abbeyknockmoy and he used to travel from Tralee to Abbeynockmoy in Galway twice a week to train with the club.

There was an interview on RTE Morning Ireland yesterday morning about this tragedy and Berni, Anne's brother has asked me can I get a copy of it for him as he is leaving Dublin for Galway this A.M.  He wants this for a particular reason and I would really appreciate if anyone has any contacts in RTE or knows how it can be found as Morning Ireland is not on RTE's playback listing.

Rest In Peace Anne & Joe.

[GaillimhIarthair]

There you go lads, puts life in perspective.  Was with Anne's brother last night and the reality still had not sunk in.  It is a tough time and yesterdays headlines on the Herald that someone left on the counter in front of us did not help or the fact that TV3 were down around his elderly mothers house last night.  Did not know Joe that well but I was told that apart from hurling for Kerry the Coleman brothers persuaded him to hurl for Abbeyknockmoy and he used to travel from Tralee to Abbeynockmoy in Galway twice a week to train with the club.

There was an interview on RTE Morning Ireland yesterday morning about this tragedy and Berni, Anne's brother has asked me can I get a copy of it for him as he is leaving Dublin for Galway this A.M.  He wants this for a particular reason and I would really appreciate if anyone has any contacts in RTE or knows how it can be found as Morning Ireland is not on RTE's playback listing.

Rest In Peace Anne & Joe.

Just sent you a message there Bud with some contact details for RTE.

[Bud Wiser]

Just sent you a message there Bud with some contact details for RTE.

He said it could be downloaded from the RTE website but it is not there.