Northern Ireland

Funeral held for Co Tyrone crash victim who was 'full of fun, life and adventure'

The funeral of Joanne Tracey took place yesterday at St Patrick's Church, Greencastle. Picture by Justin Kernoghan/ PhotopressBelfast
The funeral of Joanne Tracey took place yesterday at St Patrick's Church, Greencastle. Picture by Justin Kernoghan/ PhotopressBelfast The funeral of Joanne Tracey took place yesterday at St Patrick's Church, Greencastle. Picture by Justin Kernoghan/ PhotopressBelfast

MOURNERS at the funeral of a Co Tyrone woman killed in a road crash on her way home from the All-Ireland football final have heard how she was "full of fun, life and adventure".

Family and friends of Joanne Tracey from Glenhull, near Omagh, gathered yesterday for Requiem Mass for the mother-of-three following her tragic death on Monday.

The 36-year-old died after the car she was driving was involved in a crash with another vehicle on the M1 outside Drogheda, Co Louth.

Fr Edward Gallagher told the congregation at St Patrick's Church, Greencastle that the death of Ms Tracey, an accomplished camogie player, had left her family in a state of the "shock and grief and loss".

"On Sunday evening past many from Tyrone were dealing with their disappointment at the result at Croke Park on Sunday," he said,

"It was all put into perspective when Joanne’s family started to get the phone calls in the early hours of Monday and the rest of us woke up to texts and messages on What's App and Messenger telling us the terrible news."

The parish priest spoke of the fond memories everyone had of Ms Tracey, particularly her three young sons.

"You boys will always remember most recently the trip to Croke Park for the semi-final and the excitement there and the sense of achievement when a couple of weeks ago you all climbed Croagh Patrick together as a family," he said.

"Joanne's brothers and sister can recount many memories of growing up here with their little baby sister and how Joanne could claim to be the only true Irish one in the house, born and bred in Tyrone as the rest of you were born in England in Leeds.

"They remember too on holidays in Florida and the boys buying fake scratch cards and Joanne getting excited that she had won $50,000, only to be told that the cards were fake.

"The rest of that holiday was all picture and no sound. They recall Joanne as full of fun, life and adventure.

"On another holiday Joanne and her late cousin Kelly went all in for the sky diving while the brave men sat on the sea wall watching the girls.

"Jimmy and Phyllis will remember Joanne, their youngest who was more than a daughter but as Jimmy said, a best friend."

Fr Gallagher added: "Today our hearts go out to the whole family circle who have been struck down with shock and grief and loss these past few days".

Meanwhile, the funeral of a pedestrian who died in in Omagh is to take place tomorrow.

Sean Reid from Fintona was struck as he walked along the Great Northern Road on Tuesday.

Tributes have described Mr Reid as a "gentleman" and a "nice decent man", while another said he was a "lovely neighbour".

Requiem Mass for Mr Reid will be celebrated in St Lawrence’s Church, Fintona at 1pm followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.