47 year old Una Bowden and her daughters Ciara aged 14, and 9 year old Saoirse were sadly killed when the car they were travelling in collided with a truck near Claremorris, Mayo. The incident took place along the N17.
The family were involved in several sports organisations in their local area of Maigh Cuilinn in co Galway, with Ciara and Saoirse former players of the Oughterard Rugby Club. Their mother Úna provided IT assistance for the organisation as a volunteer.
"We are all devastated in Oughterard Rugby and in the wider community", the Rugby Club's PRO Julia Ann Brown said. "The Bowdens were very active in many sports, both in Maigh Cuilinn and in Oughterard, so it's such a tragedy for the area. Three beautiful, kind, loving, caring ladies just gone in a moment".
Ms Brown also knew the family through her work at one of the local primary schools. She said that they were highly talented at sport, as well as heavily involved in music and choirs locally.
Ciara was a first year pupil at Salthill's Salerno in Galway City, while Saoirse was a 4th class student at Scoil Bhríde, Tulokyne, Maigh Cuiinn.
Julia Ann Brown said that people are in shock at this horrific tragedy, as the community comes together to remember Úna and her daughters, and in particular their beautiful smiles.
"They were very quiet girls, yet they had this beautiful energy about them and their smiles really lit up the rooms and the playing fields and every photo we have of them through the Oughterard girls' rugby is of them smiling", she said. "So it's a beautiful tribute to have and a wonderful memory and legacy to have of their wonderful vibrant spirits".
Parish Priest Fr Martin Whelan from Maigh Cuilinn, added that the community is "so devastated" by this loss, saying that these people were heavily involved in school fundraising, as well as sports and social clubs.
A prayer service was also held in the local church in Maigh Cuilinn for the family, with the local community gathering to remember the Úna, Ciara and Seoirse. Fr Whelan also stated that the prayer service held last night was dedicated to the Bowden family.
"It was an opportunity for the community to gather also", he added.
The service was also held in honour of Úna's husband David Bowden, the father of Ciara and Saoirse, who was working abroad when he was informed of the this tragedy.
