Tributes pour in for tragic Nuala Mackel who died days after collision on busy NI road - ‘family is absolutely heartbroken’

Tributes have poured in for Nuala Mackel who died days after being involved in a road traffic collision.
Nuala MackelNuala Mackel
Nuala Mackel

She had been walking on the Stewartstown Road in Belfast on Friday 5 June when the collision happened.

The mother-of-four who was 53-years-old was from the Whiterock area of west Belfast.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the collision.

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Inspector Philip McCullough said: “The collision took place on Friday 5 June, at around 6.05pm, close to Suffolk Day Centre.

“A 49-year-old man arrested has since been released on bail, pending further enquiries.

“Our enquiries continue and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this tragic event, or captured dash cam footage, to contact us.

“Please call 101, quoting reference number 1545 of 05/06/20.”

Tributes to Mrs Mackel have poured in on Facebook.

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Prior to her death family and friends had appealed for prayers after Mrs Mackel was critically injured in the collision.

She had been in a coma in the intensive care unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital and passed away yesterday.

Niece Annaleigh Walsh led tributes on social media to “a beautiful soul taken far too soon”.

“Our whole family is absolutely heartbroken at the tragic passing of our beautiful, funny and caring aunt Nuala. One of a kind,” she posted on Facebook.

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“2020 will be a year we won’t forget - teaching us the importance of appreciating our loved ones around us, holding each other that bit tighter and loving each other that much harder.

“Thinking of my whole family, especially my cousins and uncle Eddie at this horrible time.”

Dee Walsh paid tribute to his aunt with: “Sadly the Walsh clan have lost our aunt Nuala who was only 53. Injured in a tragic accident on Friday night!

“Quiet, lovely and hard working woman not one person could say a bad word about.

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“Prayers needed for my 4 cousins and her husband Eddie during this hard time”.

Cardinal O’Donnell’s GAA club also extended its sympathies: “It is with a heavy heart that we bring you the sad news of the passing of Nuala Mackel.

“Nuala was a sister and aunt to current and past members of our club, the committee and members of Cardinal O’Donnell’s pass on our deepest condolences to the Mackel and Walsh families as well as her friends at this very sad time.”

A family friend added: “Absolutely heartbroken. She was one of the world’s nicest and funniest women. Heaven’s gained a strong and beautiful angel. Thoughts are with the Mackel and Walsh family at this awful time.”

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Another Facebook tribute from Anne Marie Finnegan said: “Truly heartbroken by the passing of the most beautiful person Nuala Mackel who I had the pleasure to work along side and call a friend forever in my heart RIP Beautiful angel”.

In another message Lynn Ballard paid tribute with “Thoughts and prayers with Eddie Mackel and family on the sad loss of his beautiful wife Nuala , no words can heal the pain your going through,knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time , may be of some comfort. May she rest in peace queen of the Gael pray for her”.

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