Northern Ireland

Tight-knit community of Ballycastle reeling from deaths of a young woman and her daughter

Flowers and tributes at the scene in Ballycastle yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell
Flowers and tributes at the scene in Ballycastle yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell Flowers and tributes at the scene in Ballycastle yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell

THE tight-knit community of Ballycastle is reeling from the devastating news of the deaths of a young woman and her daughter.

Political figures and residents spoke of the shock and sadness in the community following the heartbreaking news that Clare Smyth and her youngest child Bethany had lost their lives in such tragic circumstances.

A doting mother who idolised her two young daughters, Clare has been described an "amazing" woman by friends left heartbroken by the tragedy.

The family are well-known and respected in the area, their home lying just outside Ballycastle town, on the main route towards Ballintoy and the Giant's Causeway.

And while it is a rural area, it will be the tight-knit community of residents who will no doubt help to pull the family through the unspeakable tragedy they have found themselves thrust into.

Many will be thinking of the smiling faces of Claire and her two little girls, Hannah (5) and Bethany (3), enjoying the sunshine and fresh air outside the family home before tragedy struck.

That short journey along the lane of the farm that led to such heartbreak for so many.

The current coronavirus crisis and the continuing lockdown restrictions mean that social distancing will make the grieving for Clare and Bethany so much more difficult.

But it is clear that this rural community, where everyone knows each other, will rally round the family as best they can during the tragic time.