'We loved her to pieces' - Families heartbreak as 18-year-old crash victim laid to rest

Devastated communities from throughout Tipperary and beyond came together on Tuesday morning to show support for the heartbroken family of 18-year-old Bronagh English whose life was taken in a road traffic accident.

Bronagh, who had just returned from a family skiing holiday, had purchased her Debs dress and was looking forward to doing her Leaving Certificate exam, was described as a person who radiated love and joy at her funeral mass on Tuesday morning.

“Having Bronagh as my sister was really the dream. We will always carry you with us day by day and mile by mile,” said her sister Mia in a moving tribute to Bronagh.

Bronagh was a daughter of Michael and Danielle and older sister of Mia, Mikey and David. She was a cherished granddaughter of Greta and Donie Ormonde and Carmel and her recently deceased husband John English.

The funeral Mass of Bronagh of Anner Park House, Waterford Road, Clonmel took place on Tuesday in St. John the Baptist Church, Powerstown, Clonmel with burial taking place afterwards at the adjoining cemetery.

A Rockwell College Leaving Certificate student, Bronagh was the victim of a single vehicle fatal road traffic accident that occurred at Kilmoyler last Thursday night.

READ NEXT: 'A wave of sorrow and grief' - Shock as young Irish woman dies suddenly in Australia

At the outset of the funeral mass symbols of her life were brought to the altar of the church where she had attended Sunday School, where she received her First Communion, did her Confirmation and where she attended mass on a regular basis.
They included pictures of her family, a pair of ski goggles, dancing shoes, and a fishing rod.

Her brother Mikey told the congregation that Bronagh lit up every family party with a smile. He said Bronagh had enjoyed a wonderful family skiing holiday with her family and friends recently and, on a previous holiday, had stunned everybody with her fishing exploits in the Amazon rainforest.

He said Bronagh tried every type of dancing from Irish dancing to ballet and eventually found her favourite when she took part in a Strictly Come Dancing event last year.

Her brother said that Bronagh had spent six incredibly happy years in Rockwell College. She loved being with her friends and they did everything together.

“Bronagh was voted the smiliest person in the school this year. She had so many friends and they will carry her in their hearts forever,” said Mikey.

“She was a wonderful child and we loved her to pieces,” her father, Michael told the mourners. He said these were horrific times for the family, and he thanked everybody for their support since the tragedy occurred.

Her mother Danielle paid tribute to the emergency services who attended the scene of the accident.

“They were beyond amazing and we were so grateful to them,” said her mother.

Fr Peter Ahearne, Parish Priest told the mourners that the passing of Bronagh left everybody in shock.

“Our hearts go out to her family. No words could ease their loss or pain as their world of happiness has been devastated and shattered leaving them brokenhearted,” said Fr Ahearne.