Ireland

Memorial held in Co Kerry in memory of tourists killed in freak pony and trap accident

A memorial service has been held in Co Kerry in memory of two tourists who were killed in a freak pony and trap accident in the area. American Rosalyn Few and her Canadian partner Normand Larose died on Monday after being thrown from a trap down a 3.5m ravine onto rocks after the horse bolted and hit an embankment
A memorial service has been held in Co Kerry in memory of two tourists who were killed in a freak pony and trap accident in the area. American Rosalyn Few and her Canadian partner Normand Larose died on Monday after being thrown from a trap down a 3.5m ra A memorial service has been held in Co Kerry in memory of two tourists who were killed in a freak pony and trap accident in the area. American Rosalyn Few and her Canadian partner Normand Larose died on Monday after being thrown from a trap down a 3.5m ravine onto rocks after the horse bolted and hit an embankment

A memorial service has been held in Co Kerry in memory of two tourists who were killed in a freak pony and trap accident in the area.

American Rosalyn Few and her Canadian partner Normand Larose died on Monday after being thrown from a trap down a 3.5m ravine onto rocks after the horse bolted and hit an embankment.

The accident happened at the Gap of Dunloe near Killarney.

The couple, who were both in their sixties and lived in Phoenix, Arizona, are believed to have suffered fatal head injuries.

The local jarvey, who is described as an experienced horseman, was not injured in the crash.

The horse, which was seriously injured, had to be put down at the scene.

It was reported that Ms Few’s daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren were behind in another jaunting car, however, it is not known if they witnessed the accident.

The Health and Safety Authority said they would work closely with gardaí to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Around 30 ponymen who did not operate following the accident, as a mark of respect, instead later met at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a prayer service. During the meeting, a Decade of the Rosary was said by local priest, Fr Paddy O'Donoghue.

Speaking on behalf of the pony-and-trap operators, Paul Cremin described what had happened as a "terrible tragedy".