HERO TEACHER KILLED SAVING CHILD
Tragic Dawn dies after being struck by jeep in freak accident
A TEACHER killed in a freak accident heroically saved the life of a child just seconds before she was mowed down.
Dawn Croke was hit after her pushing her partner’s daughter out of the way at St Crona’s National School, in Dungloe, Co Donegal, on Thursday.
TD Pat “The Cope” Gallagher said: “I knew
her well, she is a member of a wellknown and much respected Dungloe family.”
The deputy, a personal friend of the Croke family, expressed his profound sympathy following the tragedy.
He added: “There is a deep sense of shock and disbelief within our community that such a freak and tragic accident occurred.
“The cloud of sadness is even greater when it has taken the life of one that had contributed so much to our community and that was so widely loved and respected by all those who knew her and worked with her.”
Dawn, who was in her early 30s, had been in the grounds of the school with her partner Paddy Mchugh and his six-year-old daughter.
However, tragedy struck when the white Ford Ranger travelled forward in the direction of Dawn and the young girl.
It is believed the heroic teacher managed to push the child away from the pick-up truck but took the brunt of the impact herself.
She died instantly and the child was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital.
The youngster is being treated for a broken pelvis and a foot injury but she is expected to make a full recovery.
Garda forensic investigators were at the scene of the tragedy in the heart of the West Donegal town at first light yesterday morning.
The investigation will centre on what caused the pick-up truck to travel forward and strike the pair. Dawn, like her father Tony, was a teachers at the local Rosses Community School. It remained closed yesterday as a mark of respect to the grief-stricken family.
Members of the local Mary From Dungloe organisation last night paid tribute to Dawn who was the 2008 Dungloe Mary. A spokesperson said “We are asking committee members and Marys past and present to join us for a guard of honour at Dawn’s funeral.”
A statement from Rosses Community School added: “Our community wish to offer our sincerest condolences on the tragic death of our colleague and friend, Ms Dawn Croke.
“We remember with love and fondness our colleague. We pray for the family and friends at this sad time. Dawn worked in the Rosses Community School, like her father before her who taught in the same school for many years.
“She was employed as a PE and Recourse teacher within the school.
“She was dearly loved by her students and her work colleagues all of whom are devastated at the news of her untimely death.”
Dawn’s wake will commence at 10am today in her parents home on Quay Road, Dungloe. Her funeral will be held on Monday at 11am in St Crona’s Church, Dungloe with burial afterwards in Maghery cemetery.