Death of tragic couple over Valentines weekend, Brigid Wilkinson and Owen McMullan, leaves their three young children and ‘devastated’ community

Twenty-one-year old Brigid Wilkinson from Ballycastle and 25-year-old Owen McMullan from Armoy will be buried after a joint funeral service at Ballycastle Parish Church on Tuesday morning.

The couple died after a collision between a blue Honda and silver Forda on the Moyarget Road in Ballycastle just before 4:50pm on Friday evening. Police said that, sadly, the young couple were pronounced dead at the scene.

 A funeral notice for Brigid, of Altananam Park in Ballycastle, said that she was the “dearly loved partner of Owen” and “much loved mother” of Cadhla, Cliodhna Rose and Eoin Og. Mr McMullan was from Glenshesk Road in Armoy

 Family and friends poured out their shock and grief on social media - also expressing their concerns for the couple’s three youung children.

Brian McMullan said: “Our Owen Og McMullan and his love and mother of his kids, wee Brigid Wilkinson, have passed away in a car crash. This is a very sad day for both families and all their friends.”

His friend Paula Williams replied that it was “So incredibly sad, and heartbreaking for you all... Prayers going out to you, and the entire family circle... Praying for healing, acceptance, comfort and courage, for the dark days ahead.”

Another friend, Sheree Morgan, said she was “Completely speechless”. She added: “What is this life? My two wee neighbours... in absolute shock”.

Antrim Ladies GAA said they were “devastated” to hear the news about their former latented Ardoyne and Antrim underage player, Brigid.

“Brigid was a massive character with a heart of gold, who was loved by all her teammates and mentors,” the club said. “Our thoughts are with her family, her three children and her Ardoyne family.”

Antrim LGFA also said they were “deeply saddened” by the news of Brigid, their former U14 county player.

“She was an extremely talented young player and a lovely girl both on and off the field,” the club said. “Our sympathies and prayers are with Brigid’s family along with the McMullan family, especially thinking of their 3 young children.”

Many others on social media said their thoughts and prayers were with the two grieving families and the couple’s three young children.

Meg An said that it was “Such sad news, condolences to the family and may her young children be loved and cared for”.

SDLP Glens Councillor, Margaret Anne McKillop also expressed her condolences to the two families.

“This is heartbreaking news and the local community here in Ballycastle are devastated,” she said.

North Antrim DUP MLA Board Mervyn Storey said: “I would extend my sympathy to the families of those who lost their life as a result of the accident on the Moyarget Road and our thoughts are with those who have been injured.”

Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said the local community has been “shocked and saddened” by the news and that his thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends.

Police have asked for witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to contact them on tel 101, quoting reference number 1274 of 12/02/21.

Requiem Mass will be broadcast on www.ballycastleparish.com on Tuesday at 10.00am although both homes are closed due to pandemic restrictions.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor