Hundreds of people have attended the funeral mass of 21-year-old Marguerita O'Rourke, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident near her home in Rathkeale, Co Limerick, just over a week ago.
Ms O'Rourke (nee Sheridan) had recently celebrated the birth of her first child Edward with her husband Denis.
As a sign of respect, many touched a large wedding photograph of Marguerita or 'Maggie' as she was known, alongside her husband on the steps outside St Mary's Church in Rathkeale.
Her remains were removed to the church overnight.
Mr O’Rourke, her parents John and Doite Sheridan, sister Eileen and brothers Paddy and Freddy led the mourners and were supported by extended family and friends.
A large screen in the square in Rathkeale showing treasured memories of Marguerita "Maggie" O'Rourke, formerly Sheridan @rtenews pic.twitter.com/z3QYG0y6D4
— Teresa Mannion (@TeresaMannion) December 29, 2024
The requiem mass was concelebrated by Fr Derek Leonard and family friend Fr Liam Enright. They have requested privacy on behalf of the grieving families.
Following the mass, the funeral cortège made its way through Ms O'Rourke's hometown of Rathkeale.
'A true legend'
Earlier this week, family members paid tribute to Marguerita. In a message posted on Facebook on Christmas Eve, her father thanked "the gardaí, the nurses, the doctors, the priests, the settled people in Rathkeale, the travelling people and everyone for the messages".
"The local shops, hotels for everything and everyone who called to my house and everyone over the world thank you," he said.
"Rest in peace my beautiful daughter," he continued.
"Marguerita Sheridan, you are a true legend," he concluded.
Her brother Freddy said: "My life will never be the same Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know Edward's mama should be here with him but unfortunately life didn't go that way.
"Marguerita, I can make a book with all the memories we have but I just don't have the strength, my life will never be the same, it took me five days to say this, Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister."
A 42-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving causing her death.
