Funeral Held for Hit-and-Run Victim O'Rourke

Marguerita O’Rourke, a 21-year-old mother from a prominent Traveller family in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, was laid to rest in a glass carriage drawn by ten horses following her tragic death in a hit-and-run incident on December 21. She was standing beside a set of gates when a van collided with them, leading to the arrest of a 42-year-old man charged with dangerous driving causing her death. Up to a thousand mourners attended her funeral at St Mary’s Church, adorned with heart-shaped floral tributes and photographs of Marguerita with her husband, Denis. Chief celebrant Fr Liam Enright remembered her as the 'heart and soul' of her family, noting the couple's deep love and their recent welcome of their son, Edward. Fr Enright highlighted the outpouring of condolences from across Ireland and beyond, emphasizing the community's support for her family. The funeral served as a poignant celebration of Marguerita's vibrant spirit and the love surrounding her young son.