Northern Ireland

Community 'numbed' after mother-of-three dies in tragic accident weeks before daughter's wedding

Anne McCann had celebrated her 52nd birthday last week
Anne McCann had celebrated her 52nd birthday last week Anne McCann had celebrated her 52nd birthday last week

A CO Tyrone community has been left "numbed" by the tragic death of a mother-of-three in an accident involving her car.

It is understood Anne McCann, from Altamuskin near Sixmilecross, was injured while attempting to stop her parked vehicle from rolling onto the road near her home on Monday evening.

A local nurse was on the scene within minutes and paramedics fought to save her life, but she died at the scene.

Mrs McCann, who celebrated her 52nd birthday last week, had been looking forward to her daughter Tanya's wedding next month.

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer, who visited the devastated family yesterday, said the communities of both Altamuskin and her native Drumquin were "shocked and numbed".

"Altamuskin is a very strong community and the woman killed and her family are very much part of the community and of Errigal Ciaran GAA club," he said.

"This is the second tragedy to hit the community this year. A neighbour of the deceased, Kathleen McGarvey, was killed in an accident on the A5 in January and the community and club are rallying around.

"I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family at this terrible time."

Parish priest Fr Michael O'Dwyer also said Mrs McCann's death had stunned the area.

"Everyone is very much affected. If you live in Altamuskin you are part and parcel of the community," he said.

"Anne was well known in the football club, the community centre and the parish.

"She was focused on her family first of all. It's a terrible thing to happen. Her parents are still living and she's a grandmother as well.

"She was very bubbly and full of life. She enjoyed life."

Errigal Ciaran GAC expressed its "sincere and heartfelt condolences" to the family.

Mrs McCann's husband Colm is a club stalwart, while son Darren is a retired senior player and current junior men's and senior ladies' coach and his brother Ciaran is an ex-underage player.

Altamuskin Community Centre also said there will be no activities until after the funeral of "our lovely friend, neighbour and committee member".

SDLP assembly member Daniel McCrossand said it was "a very tragic accident and something that has shocked the entire community".

"Altamuskin is a close-knit community who will support each other. My sympathies are with the family."

The funeral of Mrs McCann, who is survived by her husband, three children, grandson, parents Seamus and Kathleen McGale and 11 siblings, will take place at St Mary's Church, Dunmoyle at 11am on Friday.