Poignant tributes to Mayo mother and daughter who died tragically

Tributes are being paid to the mother and daughter who lost their lives in a road traffic accident near Foxford yesterday evening.

Forty-six-year-old Aisling Moore and her eight-year-old daughter Abbigael were killed after a car and a lorry were involved in a collision on the N26 at Lismoran, Callow, between Foxford and Swinford, shortly before 6 p.m on Tuesday.

In a post on its Facebook page, Swinford Athletic Club, of which Abbigael was a member, said: "We are in shock and disbelief after hearing of the awful tragedy to hit our community.

"News of the fatal crash claiming the lives of Aisling and Abbigael has rocked us to the core.

"Abbigael became a member of Swinford AC at age 5 in our little athletic group.

"Abbigael was the first child waiting for the gate to open every Tuesday evening, rain, hail or shine and never missed a session, such was her love and enthusiasm for running, cartwheels and having fun.

"Her bubbly personality, beautiful smile and the sound of her laugh will be just some of the things we will treasure.

"Abbigael moved on to our junior athletics programme and only recently represented Swinford Community Games at the Mayo finals, narrowly missing out on a medal.

"Aisling helped out in the club as much as possible, always ready for her supervision duties and the first to offer if we needed help in running any event.

"They were both valued and respected members of our community we are heartbroken beyond words.

"Aisling and Abbigael, fly high with the angels. May you both Rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to all the Moore and Tournie family in particular Eddie, Louise, Jack and family club members and all your many friends at this incredibly sad time"

Abbigael was also member of the Under-10 Kiltimagh GAA team and was described as a "kind, bubbly and fun loving girl."

The club tribute stated: "It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we hear about the tragic deaths of our Under-10 team member Abbigael and her loving mother Aisling Moore.

"Abbigael was a kind, bubbly and fun loving girl who will be missed dearly by us all, not least her family and her dear friends.

"We hold Aisling and Abbigaels family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.

"Rest In Peace Aisling and Abbigael in the arms of the angels."

A tribute on the Facebook page of Clann Machua Drama Group, Kiltimagh, stated: "Everyone in Clann Machua Drama group is shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Aisling Moore and her young daughter Abbigael.

"Aisling joined the drama group in recent years, taking part in our Taste of Theatre. She always had a supportive message for any of the group taking part in shows. Ever positive and ever warm.

"Ailsing and Abbigael will be sadly missed in our group and our community. Sincere condolences to family and friends. May they rest in peace."

Foxford Parish Priest Fr Padraig Costello attended the scene of the crash, where he said prayers and blessed Ms. Moore and her daughter.

He told RTÉ News: "All I could think of was the family because they would be getting the news later on. It was just so, so sad.

"It was a devastating scene. All the emergency services were there, the gardaí, fire brigade, ambulances, and I really have to compliment them on the way they do their work," Fr Costello said.

He said giving families terrible news like this is one of the most difficult aspects of being a priest.

"It is the most difficult thing a priest has ever to do because what can you say to people?"

Fr. Costello added that the community would rally around to support the victims' families.

So far this year 97 people have been killed on Irish roads, up 12 on the same period last year.