Heartbreak for family as roads claim another life

A COMMUNITY will come together on New Year’s Day to remember the life of a much-loved local woman tragically killed just days after Christmas.

Marian Morgan (née Costello) from Lower Tinryland and originally from Rathcrogue, Carlow was fatally injured when she was struck by a car on the N80 shortly after 6pm last Friday, close to the entrance of Tinryland GAA. The 70-year-old was visiting relatives in Rathcrogue at the time of the accident. The male driver of the car, aged in his 20s, was uninjured.

Marian’s heartbreaking death has left her family bereft and has shocked the entire community, where Marian was so highly regarded.

Speaking about his wife’s passing, Jim Morgan said: “Marian will be dearly missed by all her family. She was an excellent wife and mother and a unique character. Her kindness, constancy and curiosity were unmatched by anyone. She was the rock of my life. We were together for 50 years.” Beloved mother to Jennifer, Peter and Kate, Marian was also a much-loved sister to Tom, Pat, Bernie, Morgan, Kevin, Laz, Paddy, Breda, Noleen, Gerry, Pauline, Angela, Damien and Nick.

Family always came first for Marian. She was a kind and constant figure in many people’s lives, who could be relied on to offer support and a practical approach to life. Marian always had a kind word for people and believed the best of everyone.

Marian worked in both Carlow Town Council and Carlow County Council for many years until her retirement in 2019, where she was extremely well regarded by her colleagues.

In the many glowing tributes paid to Marian on rip.ie, ‘warm, gentle, respectful and compassionate’ were just some of the words used to described her by former colleagues.

Marian celebrated her 70th birthday in 2024 with family and made a special trip to Iceland with her husband Jim and eldest daughter Jennifer to mark the occasion.

She was a lifetime explorer, whether through her avid reading or through her many adventures abroad. Marian regularly travelled, visiting places both near and far, such as Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada, along with many trips in Ireland and in Europe taken with family members. She had been planning more trips abroad with family and as a solo traveller for the coming years.

Since her retirement, Marian was involved with local litter picks and was taking fitness classes to keep active. She enjoyed challenging her knowledge and mind with crosswords and sudoku, gardening, spending quality time with her family and loved ones.

Reposing at her home (R93 V500) today (Tuesday) from 1pm to 6pm. Removal tomorrow, Wednesday (New Year’s Day), to St Joseph’s Church, Tinryland for funeral Mass at 11am. Private cremation will take place later.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward. Anyone with any information can contact Carlow Garda Station on 059 9136620 or the garda confidential line on 1800 666111.