‘Dark cloud over Gap of Dunloe’

SOMBRE scenes played out against the backdrop of the Kerry mountains last night, as locals turned out to remember the American tourists who were killed in an accident near Killarney this week.

Inside Our Lady of the Valley Church, in the Black Valley, near the Gap of Dunloe, Joy Few, 64, and her partner Normande Larose, 62, were remembered in prayer.

Last night’s Mass was a ‘remembrance for the two American people who were tragically killed on Monday’, said Fr Ryan from neighbouring Beaufort Parish.

‘We remember tonight Rosalyn Joy Few and Normande Larose. We offer the Mass tonight for the happy repose of their souls, and we also remember in our Mass this evening all those who helped in any way.

‘We remember the gardaí, the Kerry Mountain Rescue, the pony men, and anyone else who supported the parish at this most difficult time,’ he said.

One local woman, Mary, who attended the Mass told the Mail: ‘I have lived here all my life and have never seen such a tragic accident. My heart goes out to a family who came on a trip of a lifetime to one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, and now their memories will be forever of the dark cloud which Monday brought over the Gap of Dunloe.

‘May the couple rest in peace and God bless her daughter as she makes that awful journey home,’ said the woman.

In the churchyard locals whispered of the ‘terrible darkness’ that had descended upon the valley this week, but they hoped that their prayers would be of some comfort to Joy’s daughter Tonya Tier, her partner Bill Walther, and their children.

On the drive down from Our Lady of the Valley Church, fresh flowers lay at the edge of the site where Joy and Normande lost their lives. The two lanterns still flickering on the rocks below were the only glimmer of light as the sun set last night over the Gap.

As Fr Ryan concluded Mass last night, he remembered Rosalyn Joy Few’s ‘deep faith’ and quoted from the grandmother’s favourite blessings in the Bible: ‘The nicest place to be is in someone else’s thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers, and the best place to be is in God’s hands.’

A burning candle and a bunch of lilies accompanied a book of condolences inside Kate Kearney’s Cottage pub and tourist shop, as locals also paid tribute to the couple.