A WEST Clare community was left in shock this week after a tragic car crash claimed the life of Peggy Morrissey, the mother of RTÉ sports commentator Marty Morrissey, writes Jessica Quinn.

Tributes have been paid to Mrs Morrissey following her passing in the early hours of Tuesday morning in a single car collision at Annagh, Miltown Malbay. Mrs Morrissey, who was a popular member of the Mullagh community, was the sole occupant of the car.

Fr Donagh O’Meara, Parish priest of St Mary’s Church in Mullagh described Mrs Morrissey as “a very giving woman. She gave enormously and was very kind to people.”

Mrs Morrissey, who was in her 90s and originally from Cork, attended mass every day and will be “hugely missed” in the community, he said.

“She was a fiercely independent woman and she lived right up the last. She was very engaged in life and the community. She loved people and chatting, she was great for conversation. And she loved her family. This has been an enormous shock for the community, particularly so close to Christmas, it’s hard to put into words.”

Marty is the only child of Mrs Morrissey, whose maiden name was Twomey, and Martin Morrissey who passed away 17 years ago.

When news of her passing emerged, Clare Senator Timmy Dooley commented, “This is so sad. Peggy was such a great woman and lived life to the full, always a pleasure to meet. She never let age get in the way. Thoughts and prayers with Marty at this very sad time.

Cathal Crowe TD stated on Tuesday evening, “It was confirmed that the lady who tragically lost her life in last night’s road traffic accident near Miltown Malbay was Peggy Morrissey, mother of the much loved Marty Morrissey. Rest in peace Peggy, light of heaven to your soul. My very deepest sympathies to Marty.”

RTÉ sport journalist Darren Frehill said this week on RTÉ radio’s Rising Time programme that Marty “meant the world” to his mother. He added that her loss was “desperately sad” and a “devastating loss”. 

GAA clubs from across the county and the country have also offered sympathy to Marty Morrissey following the loss of his mother.

Gardaí in Clare have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the road crash to come forward. The fatal single car road traffic collision occurred at Annagh, Miltown Malbay at approximately 12:30am on Tuesday morning. Following the incident the road was closed off to allow for and examination to be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators and diversions were put in place.

Gardaí are particularly appealing to any road users who were travelling on the road at the time with camera footage to make this available to them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kilrush Garda station on 065 908 0550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.