LIVERPOOL FC supporters are hoping to organise a Premier League tribute today (Saturday August 19) to a 14-year-old Reds fan who died after she was struck by a car in Limerick City.
Savannah Calvert (14), of Fairview Crescent, Garryowen, was pronounced dead on Thursday at University Hospital Limerick after being struck by a car at Bank Place last Wednesday night (August 16).
The young Limerick teen, who was a dedicated Liverpool FC super fan, will be laid to rest on Tuesday. She was predeceased by her mother, Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Barry, as well as her sisters Sophie and Katie.
The tragic teenager had been born with cystic fibrosis, a disease that claimed the lives of two of her sisters. Her mother Jackie died several months ago with cancer.
Liverpool FC fans have proposed to pay tribute to the young Reds fan with a scheduled applause in her memory during the 14th minute of Liverpool’s Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield later today.
Friends and neighbours, as well as medical staff at the Children’s Ark Ward at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), where Ms Calvert had attended as a patient, have also paid tribute to her.
Anne Devitt, of UHL’s Sunshine Ward, wrote of her “deepest sympathies to all the Calvert family on the tragic passing of Savannah, a beautiful girl with a cheeky smile, always in our hearts, may her gentle soul rest in peace”.
Deirdre Twohig, a nurse who had cared for Ms Calvert, described her as “a beautiful girl”.
“It was my privilege as a nurse to have looked after her. Rest in peace Savannah,” Ms Twohig stated.
Dr Michael Mahony added his “deepest condolences … on the tragic death of Savannah, may she rest in peace”.
Staff at Presentation Primary School, where Ms Calvert had attended, stated: “We were so very sad to hear of Savannah’s tragic passing. She was a much loved pupil in our school. We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Calvert family. May she rest in peace with her beloved mum and sisters.”
Neighbour Maureen Sheehan also expressed her “heartfelt condolences” to Ms Calvert’s family.
“Fly high with the angels little one,” Ms Sheehan added.
Family and friends of the Limerick teen released red and white balloons into the sky in Ms Calvert’s memory on Friday night.
Ms Calvert’s sister, Deborah, wrote on Facebook: “Is there even a god, my beautiful baby sister Savannah I love you so much, you’re back with mammy, Sophie, and Katie … I will never get over losing you princess”.
A social media posting by St Francis Boxing Club read: “We are very sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Savannah Calvert. Savannah’s nephew Timmy Calvert is an excellent young boxer from our club. Thoughts and prayers to Timmy, his mother, and the entire Calvert and Barry families at this time. May she rest in peace.”
Ms Calvert’s brother Richard Calvert wrote: “RIP Savannah Calvert, you’re with Sophie and Katie and mammy now, I’ll always love you my baby sister, I’ll never forget you, you were so innocent, I’m actually lost without you.”
Savannah is survived by her father Dermot, sisters Diane, Deborah, Linda, Stacey, Chloe, Joelene, Denika, and brothers Dermot, Lee, Richard, Ross, and Kieran.
She will be sadly missed by her heartbroken family, nieces, nephews, grandmother Bonnie Barry, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family, and many friends.
Her remains will be reposing at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate, Limerick City, from 2pm to 4pm on Monday (August 21).
Her funeral will be held at St John’s Cathedral at 11am on Tuesday (August 22), followed by burial in Mount St Oliver Cemetery.
A Garda spokesman appealed for witnesses to the fatal road accident to come forward, urging “road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Bank Place area of Limerick City between 11pm and 11:45pm to make this footage available to Gardaí”.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
