Side by side, the white coffins of mother and daughter Natalie and Ella McLaughlin sat at the altar of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Carndonagh for their funeral Mass.
The loss of Natalie McLaughlin, 27, and her eldest daughter Ella, 6, in a collision in Inishowen, Co. Donegal on Wednesday last was an unspeakable one.
Their funeral Mass heard of Natalie’s caring ways, and how she made sure her children knew they were the “most loved in the world”.
Tributes to Ella celebrated a bubbly and entertaining girl who “lived such a full life in a very short six years”.
Amidst the heartbreak, the “only consolation” that Natalie’s family has from the tragedy is that they are now together.
Hundreds lined the streets of Carndonagh town centre as the beloved mother and daughter’s funeral cortége made its way to the church. Local schools and sports clubs from across the town stood out in solidarity and shops pulled their blinds in a mark of respect. Men and women shed tears along the route.
Young Ella died at the scene of the two-vehicle collision on the Glentogher Road, just outside Carndonagh on 2nd July. The following day, her mother Natalie, who worked as a nurse in a Carndonagh doctor’s surgery, passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Only two of the car’s occupants survived. At the joint-funeral Mass, prayers were said for the speedy recovery of Natalie’s partner Tyrone Irwin, who is in Altnagelvin Hospital and little Rhea-Rose, who is 18 months old and continues to be treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The young family had enjoyed happy times on a holiday to Portugal just two weeks ago.
Parish Priest Fr Con McLaughlin said the pain of the tragedy has been felt throughout the whole community.
He recounted the day that Natalie, Tyrone, and the children began a journey in their little red Opel Corsa, a journey that “would be a journey which was to rob them of their young lives.”
Fr McLaughlin said his memory of little Rhea-Rose at the scene “brought home to me the pain and hopelessness of the situation.”
The Inishowen peninsula has suffered the dark impact of road tragedies too many times.
Fr McLaughlin said: “The pain is felt not only in Carndonagh, but also throughout our Inishowen and further afield because it provides painful memories of all too many similar tragedies that have taken place throughout the region.”
Fr McLaughlin shared that Natalie’s mother offered one heart-wrenching comment when she said: ‘The only consolation I have is now that they are together’.
“Two young lives taken. No one has the answers,” said Fr McLaughlin.
Gifts and eulogies from Natalie’s family honoured the passions and lovable characters of both mother and daughter.
Natalie’s nursing uniform was presented to the altar. A tribute from her brother Tiernan recalled how much she loved her job and cared for everyone.
“Our Nat was the best big sister, mum, friend, daughter. She put everyone before herself, maybe sometimes a little too much, but it was obvious how much of a caring person she really was,” he said.
“As a mother she took care of two beautiful children who were always reminded that they were the most loved in the world.
“She was an amazing nurse, which is no wonder. Such a kind caring, loving, vibrant young woman who would make anyone feel welcome with her smile and soft spoken nature,” said her brother.
Also among the gifts was Labubu toy of Ella’s. She loved dancing and fashion and had been so proud to wear a Labubu attached to her shorts at a recent dance class, where she had many friends, just as she did at St Patrick’s Girls National School.
Ella’s auntie Lara recalled how much her niece loved her recent holiday to Portugal, where she learned how to swim, play chess and do magic tricks.
“Our perfect, crazy girl with her cheeky little face and sassy attitude, it was easy for Ella to leave a lasting impression on everyone that she met,” Lara said.
“Every emotion with Ella was heightened and so pure, she had the ability to love so intensely, from tight cuddles and showers of kisses to finding love notes she placed all around the house. We will love and miss you Ella, every second of every day.”
The funeral concluded with an emotional pause as Ella’s favourite song, “Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga filled the air. The congregation listened to the touching lyrics, “nobody’s promised tomorrow” and “If the world was ending, I want to be next to you,” before departing for Natalie and Ella’s final journey, with interment in the adjoining cemetery.
The local community, in a bid to wrap its arms around the McLaughlin family after the tragedy, has raised more than €43,000 through GoFundMe.
To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honouring-natalie-ella-a-communitys-love
