THE REMOVAL will take place this evening of an 82-year-old widow who fell to her death from the second storey window of a nursing home in the city on to railings outside the building.
Maura Looney died shortly after 7.30am on Friday when she fell from the second floor of the Care Choice nursing home on the Middle Glanmire Road in Montenotte on the north side of Cork city.
Ms Looney had just moved into the private nursing home on New Year’s Eve for two weeks of respite care.
Ms Looney, who was from Congress Road in Turners Cross, Cork, was an aunt of north side Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald.
He said her death had deeply saddened her family.
Ms Looney was close to her three brothers Thomas, Willie and Teddy Fitzgerald and to her circle of nieces and nephews.
She spent the Christmas holidays in the company of her brothers and their respective families.
Her late husband Thomas was an employee of Thomas Crosbie Holdings.
She was fondly remembered yesterday as a kind and friendly woman who was actively involved in Ballyphehane community centre. She also liked going to over-60s events in Cork City Hall.
Gardaí in Mayfield have begun an investigation and will prepare a file on the accident for the Cork City Coroner.
The HSE South will also launch an investigation. The death is being treated as a tragic accident.
Care Choice director Paul Kingston said staff at the facility were shocked by the passing of Mrs Looney in such a tragic manner.
‘‘Our sincere sympathies are with the family of Maura at this time. It has been a tragic accident. Everyone involved, owners, staff and relatives, are in shock.
“We contacted them immediately and are working very closely with all the relevant authorities. We ask for privacy and sensitivity for all involved at this very difficult time.’’
Ms Looney’s remains are at Sullivan’s Funeral Home, Turners Cross, Cork. Her removal takes place at 7.30pm today to Christ the King Church, Turners Cross.
Her requiem Mass takes place tomorrow at 11am, with burial at St Finbarr’s Cemetery.