Funeral of woman killed in car accident while holidaying in Australia

The funeral took place yesterday of Ms Joanne McNamara (25), from Co Limerick, who died in an accident during a backpacking holiday…

The funeral took place yesterday of Ms Joanne McNamara (25), from Co Limerick, who died in an accident during a backpacking holiday in north-west Australia last month.

She was one of three Irish backpackers and an English woman killed in a head-on collision between a car and a road train in Darwin.

The Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Most Rev Dermot Clifford, presided at the funeral Mass in Caherline Church, Caherconlish.

The principal celebrant was the parish priest, Father Patrick Currivan, who spoke of "the awful nightmare" when he first discovered that one of the three Irish women who died was from his own parish.

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He heard of the tragedy while listening to the radio and was hoping and praying that it wouldn't be anyone from the parish.

He described the deceased as an excellent, very bright girl and a fun-loving person who was very devoted to her family.

"She was a fine Christian and a great example to people of her own age.

"She was a girl who had so much to offer and we were all very proud of her."

He asked for continuing support and comfort for the families and relatives of all those involved in the tragedy.

Ms McNamara is survived by her parents, Joseph and Maura; sisters Yvonne and Marreta; and brothers Patrick and Roger.

Her burial took place in St Lawrence Cemetery, Inch.