Parents’ heartfelt tribute to Annabel
THE grieving mother of a three-year-old girl who died following a tragic accident said her daughter “meant so much to people” and “lived life to the fullest”.
Hundreds turned out in the pouring rain yesterday for the funeral of Annabel Loughlin at the Church of the Assumption in Delvin, Co Westmeath.
Annabel, the daughter of former Westmeath hurdler Enda Loughlin and his wife Eileen, passed away on Friday.
Fr Seamus Heaney, who led the Mass for Annabel, prayed for support and comfort for all those who were affected by the tragedy.
“She had a heart of gold, a smile would light up heaven and a temper that would put the fear of God into the strongest and bravest of us all,” her father Enda told mourners.
“Words can’t describe the loss you are to your mammy, daddy, Senan and TJ… Sleep tight missy moo, we love you.”
Mum Eileen also paid tribute to her daughter in a beautiful description of her life. She said: “From the moment I knew I was having a baby I really hoped it was a girl. Annabel meant so much to so many people.
“As a baby, right through to a three-and-a-half-year-old, Annabel never really liked to sleep, but now I realise she was just trying to cram in as many hours of living as she could.”
A minute’s silence for Annabel took place in Parnell Park last night as her local GAA club Clonkill played against Ballyboden St Enda’s in the Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship quarterfinals.