Ciara McElvanna: Funeral details released for tragic mum-of-four 'with the kindest heart'

Ciara McElvanna, who was 44, and from the Armagh area, was taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries. She passed away yesterday, on Wednesday 8th November.

A funeral notice says she died ‘Peacefully in R.V.H Belfast’ and is the ‘beloved wife of Kevin and devoted mother of Niamh, Claire, Dara, and Aoife’.

It adds that her funeral will be held at 11am on Saturday 11th November 2023 at in St. Joseph's Church, Madden.

She will be buried afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

The death notice adds: “Deeply regretted by her loving husband, son, daughters, parents Roisin and John, brothers Sean and Conor, sistersCáilín, Caitriona, Séilín and Shauna.Parents-in-law Frankie and Theresa, brothers-in-law Paul and Shane, sister-in-law Aideen, extended family circle and many friends”.

A PSNI statement confirms the collision happened on the Gosford Road at approximately 1.20am.

Two men and one woman remain in hospital at this time receiving medical treatment.

A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing.

Officers would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam or mobile phone footage available to contact them at the Collision Investigation Unit at Sprucefield on 101, quoting reference number 104 04/11/23.

Ms McElvanna is the second person to have passed away as a result of this road traffic collision – Patrick Grimley, who was 40, and from the County Armagh area also died as a result of his injuries. His funeral took place yesterday.

A post on St Josephs Camogie Club Madden says: “Our community has been dealt another devastating blow today with the untimely and tragic passing of Ciara McElvanna.

"Ciara was a valued member of our committee as well as being mummy to underage players Niamh, Claire and Aoife and also Dara her son.

"The girl with the kindest heart who was always willing to help out in any way she could.

"She and her husband Kevin were avid supporters and volunteers for both St Joseph’s camogie club and Ropairì na Madáin.

"To Kevin, her precious children Niamh, Claire, Dara and Aoife, her parents Roisin and John, brothers Sean and Conor, sisters Cailin, Caitriona, Séilín and Shauna and the wider McElvanna and Haddock families, we at St. Joseph’s offer our heartfelt sympathies and prayers.

"Also keeping in our thoughts and prayers Ciera Grimley wife of Patrick as she remains in hospital.

“You’ll never know how strong a community is until being strong is the only choice “

"Ar dheis Dè go raibh a hanam

Paula Grimley

Chairperson”.

And a post on Keady town It's people & places says: “A second person has died following last week's tragic road crash on the Gosford Road, Markethill.

"Ciara McElvanna passed away yesterday (Wednesday, November . A family death notice stated she died peacefully in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

"She was the beloved wife of Kevin and devoted mother of Niamh, Claire, Dara, and Aoife.

"Funeral arrangements will be released later with Damian Smith Undertaker handling arrangements.

"The death notice said: "Deeply regretted by her loving husband, son, daughters, parents Roisin and John, brothers Sean and Conor, sisters Cáilín, Caitriona, Séilín and Shauna. Parents-in-law Frankie and Theresa, brothers-in-law Paul and Shane, sister-in-law Aideen and extended family circle.

"May her gentle soul rest in peace."

"Her death came on the same day as the fatal collision's first victim, 40-year-old Patrick Grimley was laid to rest following Requiem Mass in St Joseph's Church, Madden.

"The father of three Patrick Grimley had been returning home after celebrating his 40th birthday in Dundalk when the tragedy struck.

"He was one of nine people involved in the four vehicle collision on the Gosford Road at Markethill.

"Mr Grimley’s wife Ciera was one of those injured in the collision.

"Police are investigating the collision which happened on the Gosford Road, Markethill, around 1.20am on Saturday morning. November 4.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage that could assist enquiries, is asked to contact police at Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting reference 104 of 04/11/23”.

Another tribute from St Joseph’s Primary School, Madden ·says: “Following the devastating news today of the tragic passing of Ciara McElvanna, the school community wishes to express its deep sorrow to the McElvanna and Haddock families.

"We pray that St. Joseph will support and comfort you all at this extremely difficult time.

"We extend also our thoughts and prayers to all of our families and our school pupils who have been so greatly impacted by this tragedy. St Joseph, pray for them”.

And in another message of sympathy, Armagh LGFA say: “We deeply regret to learn of the tragic death of Ciara Mc Elvanna, sister of former Senior Footballer Caitriona Kelly.

"We send our most sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, Gaels of Madden Raparees, St Josephs Camogie Club Madden and the wider GAA family.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam”