‘One of the worst tragedies’ takes toll at beauty spot
DARK and misty clouds shrouded the mountains and ravines at one of Ireland’s most breathtaking beauty spots yesterday.
The devastation that surrounded the death of a couple who had just arrived on holiday began to sink in.
When Normand Larose and his partner Rosalyn Joy Few embarked on a special journey around the Gap of Dunloe, the sun was splitting the stones.
By yesterday morning the rain poured amid billowing wind – tourists went about their walks, taking in the magnificence, yet aware something awful had happened less than 24 hours earlier.
It’s hugely popular for those coming from the US in particular. Many may have taken a look down the ravine where the tragic couple fell to their deaths and spotted some flowers and lanterns placed neatly at the bottom.
They might have seen the horse and carts near Kate’s Cottage and wondered why they weren’t in operation.
Others had just arrived that day and were oblivious to it all.
They walked along the route by choice.
As the busy tourism season approaches, those that were there for a quiet period hoped it wouldn’t stop fellow Americans from visiting Dunloe.
Todd Fonner, from Connecticut, was over with his daughter and parents.
He said the area was “beautiful, we’re really enjoying it”.
“We hadn’t heard about the accident, it’s very sad to hear that, it’s tragic,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful place, I don’t think it will deter people from visiting.
“Everybody here has been very friendly and welcoming.”
The most impressive thing for Mr Fonner was how this part of Kerry is so wellpreserved.
For Normand and Rosalyn, the horse and cart probably added to that much-sought-after authenticity.
Out near Kate Kearney’s Cottage – about three kilometres from where the tragedy occurred – the horse and cart lay unused yesterday.
“The pony men aren’t out today,” we were told.
One jarvey said that it was “one of the worst tragedies”.
It’s no doubt that the pain will live long in the area.