TEARS OF SORROW FOR RUTH!
A community in mourning, a young life lost and a bright light extinguished - these were some of the words used to describe the tragic loss of 18 year old teenager Ruth Gorey by her family, friends and neighbours this week.
Ruth was driving a 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser which crashed and overturned at Carrigane on the old N8 after she had earlier taken part in the St Patrick’s Day parades in both Mitchelstown and Ballyporeen on Thursday of last week. The emergency services arrived quickly but the popular local girl, who lived at Ard Alainn, Carrigeen, Kilbehenny, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Six passengers travelling in the car were rushed to Cork University Hospital following the single vehicle incident, including the driver’s 15 year old brother, Andrew. Five have since been discharged from hospital, while one teenage girl, who suffered a broken leg, remains in a stable condition.
FAMILY DEVASTATED
A Leaving Cert student at Presentation Secondary School in Mitchelstown, Ruth’s death has left her parents Denis and Mary, her sister Emily and her brothers Andrew and Louis devastated. “Ruth was always talking, the house is a lot quieter now, she is sadly missed,” her mother, Mary told The Avondhu.
Hundreds of mourners, many of whom had also stood for hours in the rain at the removal of the remains from O’Sullivan’s Funeral Home, Kilbehenny on Saturday evening, turned out on Sunday last to say a final sad goodbye to Ruth following requiem Mass at Kilbehenny parish church.
During an emotional homily, local parish priest, Fr Dick Kelly, spoke of Ruth’s love of horses and how plans for her future had been cut tragically short. There was a fitting tribute to the well loved teenager when a guard of honour of over 30 horses and riders from the local Galtee Harriers Hunt along with Araglin Pony Club members lined the route.
FOCUS AND DETERMINATION
Her parents also remembered their daughter’s focus and determination, “Ruth was studying hard for her Leaving Cert and wanted to go on to University College Dublin to study either agricultural science or veterinary nursing. This was all she wanted to do. Even though she was always busy with the horses or other community activities, Ruth always found time to study. She was very popular with everybody both young and old, she was a people person and it showed.”
Ruth’s principal at Presentation Secondary School in Mitchelstown, Anne Kirke said the entire school community was in shock having heard of her tragic death.
“She will be remembered for her lovely nature, her kindness and support to other students, her thoughtfulness and her all round enthusiasm for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents and family, her friends and her fellow Leaving Cert students,” Ms Kirk said.
VERY EMOTIONAL
In Kilbehenny, Moss Fitzgerald of the local community council told The Avondhu that the entire village was still in shock.
“Ruth and her family are very well known and loved in Kilbehenny. This tragic accident cut short a wonderful life and she will be sadly missed. The funeral was very emotional and I will never forget the sound of the horses hoofs as the cortege made its way to the cemetery,” Moss Fitzgerald said.
Kilbehenny Cycling Club also mourned one of its esteemed young members this week and a statement issued by the club read, ‘Ruth Gorey was such a breath of fresh air and one of our most valued members. She was always in good form and an inspiration to all of us. We are just so sad at her untimely passing. We would like to extend our sympathy to her parents, Denis and Mary, sister, Emily and brothers, Andrew and Louis. Ruth will be sadly missed but remembered with fondness.’
LOVELY SEND OFF
Ruth’s parents found the final farewell for their daughter very moving.
“The funeral was very emotional, but a lovely send off for Ruth and we want to thank everybody for all their support. The community in Kilbehenny is fantastic and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the people who supported the family over the last few days. We want to thank family, neighbours, and friends for all their kind words and the support they have give to us and our children. Ruth touched the hearts of many people and we know that she will be fondly remembered.”
The Avondhu extends its sincere sympathy to Denis, Mary and family on their great loss. May Ruth’s soul rest in peace.
Published:
Monday 28th March 3:30pm
