A TALENTED musician and GAA player who will be remembered for her "beautiful smile", were among the heartfelt tributes paid last night to the schoolgirl killed in a beach buggy crash in Newry.
Nicole Fegan (12) from Mayobridge was described as a "bright, happy and kind" child as news of her tragic death spread yesterday.
A Year 8 pupil at Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry, she died less than two days after performing on stage in a Scór na nÓg competition in Mayobridge, winning praise for her musical talents.
Police said the child and a 14-year-old girl were travelling in the buggy when it was in collision with a black Toyota Hilux on the Flagstaff Road on Saturday afternoon.
PSNI Inspector Kieran Quinn said the 12-year-old girl, a passenger in the buggy, died as a result of her injuries. The 14-year-old girl suffered a broken leg.
An accomplished camogie, football and handball player with Mayobridge GAA, she was described as a "cherished" member whose death has left the community stunned.
A book of condolence has been opened at the club for those devastated by her death to express their sympathies.
In a statement, the club said: "The committee and members of Mayobridge GAC are greatly shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of our cherished Scór na nÓg member and camogie, football and handball player Nicole Fegan and wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to her grieving parents Margo and Cathal, brothers Jamie and Jason and extended family circle".
Gillian Fitzpatrick, a friend of the family and SDLP councillor, said the community would support her devastated family.
"I know her parents, her brothers, she was a quiet, well spoken wee girl, she was just lovely," she said.
"I was speaking to her just yesterday and on Friday night when she took part in the Scór na nÓg, when she one of a group of five on stage performing.
"Music was in her family and she on Friday she sang on her own, with a ballad group and with an instrumentalist group too on the tin whistle, she was very talented and the group were praised as very promising by the judges.
"The south Down final has been postponed tonight in respect for her and her family.
"She also played camogie at under 12 level and everyone at the club are devastated."
Ms Fitzpatrick added: "She was a bright, happy and kind and to be taken away like this in such a tragic accident is devastating.
"The two families are very close, it's just a real tragic, tragic accident. They will look after each other, we will look after them, we will be there to support them through this."
Staff at her former school, St Patrick's Primary School, Mayobridge, have also described how they have been left "heartbroken".
"As educators we are fortunate to teach many wonderful children but Nicole was such a special girl," they said in a Facebook post.
"We have memories of her kindness and her willingness to contribute to the life of the school through her musical ability, her sporting talents, her desire to do her best at all times and her beautiful smile."
A statement posted on social media from Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry also said they were "deeply saddened by the tragic death of our J1 pupil, Nicole Fegan".
"Please keep Nicole's family and friends and the Our Lady's community in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
Funeral Mass for Nicole is due to be held at St Patrick's Church, Mayobridge on Wednesday at noon.
