Accident in Co. Kerry claims nuns’ lives
Tributes from across the country have been paid to the two Presentation Sisters who lost their lives in a tragic drowning accident in Co. Kerry last week.
Sisters Imelda Carew (67) and Paula Buckley (70) died last Thursday after they were airlifted to hospital by local Coast Guard when they got into difficulty while swimming at Inch Beach, West Kerry, where they were on holiday with a group of Presentation Sisters.
Congregational Leader of the Presentation Sisters Union, Sr Mary Deane, said “These two wonderful women have been a source of inspiration and blessing to many people throughout their lives,” and their deaths were “a tragic loss for all of us and for their families”.
Tragedy
Bishop Ray Browne expressed sorrow on behalf of the Kerry diocese, saying it was “a shocking and sudden” tragedy.
Last Sunday Sr Imelda, a native of Co. Tipperary, was buried in Mountmellick Parish, Co. Laois, where she worked, and parish priest Fr Michéal Murphy described her as a very kind and “gentle presence” that would be missed in the parish.
Sr Paula Buckley, who would have celebrated 50 years of religious life this September, was buried in her home parish of Cashel, Co. Tipperary on Tuesday.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.