THE death of a county Limerick woman, who lost her life while on a hen party weekend, has been described as “a terrible tragedy”.
It is believed that Miriam Reidy, aged 35, from Ballyhahill, near Shanagolden, died as the result of a gas leak in a room at the Trident Hotel in Kinsale, where she was staying to celebrate her cousin’s hen party.
Miriam’s sister Patricia, was staying in the same room and was earlier reported to be in a critical condition at Cork University Hospital, where her parents were at her bedside.
However, Patricia’s condition has improved in the interim and she is now described as stable.
It is understood that the alarm was raised when the two women did not join the group for a late breakfast. They were then discovered unconscious on the bedroom floor by concerned friends and emergency services were alerted.
According to reports, Patricia had sent a text to a friend in the early hours of Sunday morning stating that she felt ill. She was later attended to be a doctor and prescribed medication.
Later, Miriam was pronounced dead at the scene while her sister was taken to hospital.
Another guest in the hotel and who complained of feeling unwell, was admitted to the Cork University Hospital.
Glin based Cllr John Sheahan, described the incident as a terrible tragedy.
“The Reidy’s are a well known, and well liked, family in the area and it is a terrible thing for Miriam’s parents John and Josie, to lose a daughter and to have another fighting for her life in hospital while in their retirement years.
“John canvassed with me in the past and they have three daughters, who all work in the banking sector.
“They are good folk who live life at an even keel. They went away for a weekend break to enjoy their cousin’s hen party and this tragedy struck.
“I extend my sympathy to the entire family”.
Fr Gerard O’Leary, PP Loughill-Ballyhahill, said his thoughts and, indeed, the thoughts of the entire parish of Ballyhahill and Loughill were with the Reidy family in this time of great sadness and suffering.
“For a social weekend to end up in such tragedy is unimaginable. Our prayers are for the soul of Miriam, a delightful young woman who was full of joy and happiness, as well, of course, for the recovery of her sister Patricia.
“The Reidy’s are well known and respected in Ballyhahill and beyond and will have the full support of this close-knit community in their time of need. “They are understandably devastated by this tragedy and have asked for privacy at this very difficult time”.
