Dark day on the Gap of Dunloe
VICTIMS WERE ON FAMILY HOLIDAY TO KILLARNEY WHEN TRAGEDY STRUCK ON PONY AND TRAP JOURNEY IN GAP OF DUNLOE
LOCALS gathered at Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the Gap of Dunloe on Tuesday evening in a special memorial service for the two US tourists who died in a freak accident at the scenic beauty spot on Monday afternoon.
The family of six had been on a day out in Killarney when tragedy struck during a pony and trap trip on the world famous Gap of Dunloe.
The cause of the accident has not been determined, but it is known that a pony and trap and its two passengers fell from the narrow road onto rocks at the bottom of a 20ft-deep ravine. The passengers died instantly.
The victims have been named as Normand Larose (62) and Rosalyn Joy Few (64) from Phoenix, Arizona. Members of the victims’ family, who were travelling in two separate traps, came upon the tragic accident just minutes later.
A BUNCH of flowers and candles mark the spot where two American tourists on a family holiday lost their lives in a tragic accident during a pony and trap trip in the Gap of Dunloe.
The tragic accident has shocked the local community whose thoughts and sympathies are with the families of those involved.
The two victims have been named as Normand Larose (62) and Rosalyn Joy Few (64) from Phoenix Arizona. Normand was originally from Canada.
Leading tributes to the two victims was Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Niall Kelleher, who opened a book of condolences at Killarney Town Council on Tuesday afternoon. The book has been signed by many from the local community who have been left numbed by the tragic events at the Gap of Dunloe.
Cllr Kelleher said the accident has caused great shock and upset throughout the whole community. “The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the entire country but there is a very dark cloud overhead now as everybody tries to come to terms with what has happened,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by President of Killarney Chamber of Commerce, Paul O’Neill.
“We are all shocked and saddened by this most tragic accident. The Gap of Dunloe is one Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations, a place that brings joy to tourists the world over and we are devastated that a visit to it by this couple would end in such tragic circumstances.
“The people of Killarney extend our heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this tragedy and will do whatever we can to support the family during this very sad time.”
Paul Cremins speaking on behalf of the ponymen at the Gap of Dunloe said that everyone is heart-broken by what has occurred. “We are devastated. It is a terrible accident. There are no words to describe the feeling here... A dark cloud hangs over the community.”
On Tuesday evening Fr Paddy O’Donoghue conducted a memorial service at Kate Kearney’s, which Mr Cremins later described as “a lovely ceremony and a fitting tribute”.