Heartbreaking tributes for woman who was 100th person to die on Irish roads

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a woman who “brightened up the day” after she became the 100th person to die on Irish roads this year.

Margaret’ Maggie’ Burnes, originally from Dungarvan, Co Waterford, died on July 9 following a collision with a truck on the N25 at Garranbane. 

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene of the fatal crash around 9.20 on Tuesday morning. 

Margaret, aged in her 70s, who was driving the car involved in the smash, was treated at the scene for her injuries but sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

The driver of the truck was treated at the scene for shock by emergency services and taken to hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening.

Margaret’s death notice reads: “Margaret (Maggie Aggie) Burnes (née Troy) White Strand, Abbeyside, Dungarvan and formerly Ballyogarty, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford who died on Tuesday 9th July 2024. 

“Predeceased by her parents, James and Nellie, brother Shamie and sisters Pat and Philomena.

“Deeply mourned by her loving daughter Jenny, granddaughter Sophie, sisters Ollie and Barbara, her brother John, brother-in-law Gerry and John, sisters-in-law Mary and Ann, nephews, nieces, neighbours and extended family.”

In an online notice, Margaret’s devastated friends said she was “a lovely lady who brightened up the day” and “a source of love.”

Tony Rendle said her auntie was a “source of love,” adding she “will be dearly missed.”

He added: “I was heartbroken to hear of Auntys passing. She was more than just an Aunt, she was a source of love, wisdom and endless support for us all.

“It is a profound loss and her kindness and generous spirit will be dearly missed. Love you always Aunty.”

Another family member wrote: “If mothers were flowers I would pick you, my last word’s to my Godmother, my Auntie Maggie.

“God sent me an Angel in human form, the epitome of kindness, loyal and true.

“A Light that shines so brightly, your determination to do right in this life humbles me.

“We laughed, we cried, we got lost and we did it together, I will never forget.

“I will hold you in my soul till I am with you once again. My love for you will never die.”

100 deaths on Irish roads

The latest tragedy brings the number of people who have been killed on Irish roads so far this year to 100.

This is compared to a total of 87 people losing their lives in crashes on roads across Ireland during the same period in 2023, representing a 14 per cent increase.

Gardai are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the tragedy to come forward with information.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dungarvan Garda Station on 058 48600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

Margaret’s funeral mass will be held at St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen, on Monday, July 15, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.