Northern Ireland

Bride-to-be Ruth Maguire buried in wedding dress

Ruth Maguire died following a hen night in Carlingford. Picture by Photopress
Ruth Maguire died following a hen night in Carlingford. Picture by Photopress Ruth Maguire died following a hen night in Carlingford. Picture by Photopress

A bride-to-be who died on a night out with friends last week has been laid to rest.

Ruth Maguire, a 30-year-old health assistant who was due to marry her partner in August, was buried in her wedding dress.

The alarm was raised last Saturday when Ms Maguire went missing on her friend's hen night in Carlingford, Co Louth, sparking a major search, before her body was found in the nearby lough.

Friends have described her death as a tragic accident.

Ms Maguire's coffin, covered in flowers, was followed by her partner Jim and three children – Tyler, Lydia and Oliver – who were joined by hundreds of tearful mourners on their way into Mass at Saint Vincent de Paul Church in Ligoniel, north Belfast, on Saturday morning.

Family and friends at Ruth Maguire's funeral in Ligoniel, north Belfast. Picture by Photopress
Family and friends at Ruth Maguire's funeral in Ligoniel, north Belfast. Picture by Photopress Family and friends at Ruth Maguire's funeral in Ligoniel, north Belfast. Picture by Photopress

A number of bouquets of flowers were carried by members of the RNLI, while a bouquet that spelt out "Friend" was driven in the hearse.

A guard of honour made up of children and adults from Ms Maguire's local GAA club, Bryansford GAC in Newcastle, where she volunteered as a coach, stood outside the church.

During the service, mourners heard how Ms Maguire, who is originally from Belfast, worked at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry, and that although she was the baby of the family, was "the boss" who looked out for her sisters and brothers.

The priest, Fr Darach Mac Giolla Caithain, told mourners Ms Maguire dedicated her life to others, through her job as a carer, coaching sport and Irish dancing.

"Ruth was slow to take offence and quick to forgive – she realised that life is too short," he said.

"Family was at the heart of Ruth's life, and Ruth and Jim were due to receive the sacrament of marriage this year. My prayer is that the grace you were due to receive that day will come to you today Jim and sustain you in the future."

"May she meet you, Jim, in God's kingdom, dressed in dazzling white."

Speaking to her three children, the priest said: "Don't you ever think that because you're wee your prayers aren't powerful. God listens to your prayers so carefully, you remember that.

"Today, remember your mummy loved you so very much, and your prayers will help you on life's journey. She was so proud of you, and you'll have so many people around you to help you.

"Remember this is always hope, always faith, always love."

Friends have described Ms Maguire as "the most loving, hardworking and caring mother to her three beautiful children" who, along with her partner, "worked tirelessly to give their children the best that they possibly could in life".

Ms Maguire was buried Carnmoney Cemetery in Newtownabbey.