Mother-in-law of FG candidate killed by cyclist while out postering for party

The mother-in-law of a Fine Gael candidate was killed by a cyclist on the same night she was helping to erect election posters for the party.

Tragic mother of three Theresa Clarke (70) was crossing the Ranelagh Road in South Dublin, where she had been placing posters in the area on behalf of the political party, when she was struck in the middle of the road at around 11pm last Tuesday.

Ms Clarke, who was a teacher and former principal at Scoil Aonghusa in Balrothery, Tallaght, South Dublin, was rushed to hospital – where she sadly died on Sunday.

READ MORE – Dramatic Ireland weather maps show huge wall of rain to plough across country in miserable forecast

READ MORE – Gangland figure Brandon Ledwidge, 23, died from gunshot wound to chest, inquest hears

Ms Clarke was also the mother in law of Fine Gael candidate John Clendennen, who was elected to Offaly County Council this week.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror, newly elected Councillor Clendennen said he and his family were in shock over the loss.

“We’re staying united and trying to deal with the grief of losing someone that was so close and such a tower of strength to her three daughters and extended family.

“She was very proud of her career as a teacher and principal. Her main joys outside of her family was her involvement with Fine Gael as a party and her contribution to it.

“It’s the call no family wants to receive. Whatever she was doing in the area is irrelevant in a sense. She was crossing the road and that shouldn’t happen in this day and age.”

Cllr Clendennen appealed for any witnesses and anyone who had footage surrounding the incident to come forward to gardai – as he spoke about the devastation he and his family feel.

“At the end of the day this is a very difficult time for us all as a family. It’s devastatingly shocking and you don’t wish it upon anyone’s door but when it does come to yours it’s horrific,” he told us.

Meanwhile in a post on social media, the Scoil Aonghusa Parents Association passed on their condolences to the family.

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Theresa Clarke, former beloved Principal of Scoil Aonghusa Senior, has passed away.

“Our sincere condolences to all her family and friends.”

A death notice posted to RIP.ie stated that Ms Clarke died “peacefully following a tragic road accident surrounded by her family in the wonderful care of the staff of Beaumont Hospital.

“Beloved wife of Michael, loving and much-loved mother of Elaine, Miriam and Josephine,” the notice continued.

“Theresa will be forever loved and dearly missed by her husband and daughters, her sons-in-law John (Clendennen), Andrew (Sparshott), and future son-in-law Alan (Dixon), her three treasured grandchildren Oakley, Percy and Arlo, brother Danny, sister Anne (Brophy), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, relatives and friends, her colleagues and friends from Scoil Aonghusa Snr, Balrothery and Fine Gael Dublin Bay South and broader network.

“Theresa is now reunited with her parents Dan and Josephine Loughrey and her beloved brother Finian.”

Theresa is reposing at her residence this evening with removal on Thursday morning to St. Anne’s Church, Bohernabreena arriving for 10am Requiem Mass, burial thereafter in Bohernabreena Cemetery.

In a statement gardai confirmed an investigation into the collision.

“Gardaí are investigating a fatal road traffic collision involving a bicycle and a pedestrian that occurred on the Ranelagh Road in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, at approximately 11pm on Tuesday 4th June 2024.

“The pedestrian, a female in her 70s, was taken to St. Vincent’s University Hospital with serious injuries. She was later transferred to Beaumont Hospital where she was pronounced deceased on Sunday 9th June 2024. The male cyclist was uninjured.

“A technical examination of the scene was conducted and Garda enquiries are ongoing.”

Gardaí 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 on the Ranelagh Road in Ranelagh between 10:45pm and 11.15pm on Tuesday June 4, 2024 are asked to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Irishtown Garda Station at 01 666 9600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.