The partner and newborn baby of a young mum who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run have been pictured in a heart-wrenching photo on Christmas Day. Marguerita Sheridan had just become a mother to her first baby boy last month.
The 21-year-old from Rathkeale sustained critical injuries and sadly passed away after a van collided with gates at Bank Place, Well Lane, Rathkeale, around 12.15pm on Saturday, December 21. Danny O’Donoghue, 42, of, Rathkeale was brought before a special late sitting of Limerick District Court on Christmas Eve, reports the Irish Mirror.
Mr O’Donoghue faced charges of dangerous driving causing Ms Sheridan’s death; causing criminal damage to a set of gates; threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan; producing a machete while he made the alleged threat; and causing criminal damage to Mr Sheridan’s van. The accused was remanded in custody last Tuesday night, to appear via video-link before Limerick District Court on Friday, December 27, for further directions in the case from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Now, in a heart-wrenching photo shared on social media, grieving husband Dennis posed on Christmas Day with their newborn baby boy while holding a photo of the late Marguerita on her wedding day. The poignant image taken on their baby boy’s first Christmas shows a mountain of toys for him that sadly Marguerita will never see him play with.
Friends have also paid their respects, sharing a poignant photo with one commenting: “I’ve never seen anything like this. Please Marguerita comfort Dennis and your baby. You should be here with them. Life’s so unfair. You were too good for this big bad world. RIP Maggie,” while another lamented: “My Jesus look down upon this poor man and his little boy.”
The heartfelt tributes come as funeral plans were publicised, following the solemn vigil held by hundreds of grieving family and friends on Christmas Eve. Officials confirmed Marguerita’s body will lie in repose at Cross’s Funeral Home, Limerick City, from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, December 28.
Her funeral is set to be conducted at St Mary’s Church, Rathkeale, at 12.30pm on Sunday, December 29, followed by interment at the local graveyard. On Christmas Eve an outpouring of community support was displayed as masses gathered for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of Marguerita at The Crib within Abbey Grounds in Rathkeale.
Her bereaved father, John Sheridan, spoke lovingly of his daughter, remembering her as a “true legend” and expressing gratitude towards all – including “the gardai, nurses, doctors, priests, the settled people in Rathkeale, the Travelling community, and everyone” – for their kind words in this difficult time.
John expressed his gratitude on social media to all those who supported him during his time of loss, stating: “I want to say thanks to the gardai, the nurses, the doctors, the priests, the settled people in Rathkeale, the Travelling people and everyone for the messages. The local shops, hotels for everything and everyone who called to my house and everyone over the world thank you.”
He paid a touching tribute to his daughter, adding, “Rest in peace my beautiful daughter,” and concluded by saying, “Marguerita Sheridan, you are a true legend.”
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