Tributes are being paid to a mother-of-two with an "inner glow of goodness" who died after the car she was in plunged into a Cork river with her two young sons in the back.
Primary school teacher Gillian Daly, 44, died when she was unable to escape after her car reversed into the River Lee at Kennedy Quay in Cork at around 8.45pm on Friday night.
Her sons Evan and Luke, aged ten and 12, were passengers in the car but managed to free themselves before it sank and bystanders pulled the boys to safety.
Her death notice says she was an "adored" mother and "beloved" wife as heartfelt tributes were paid both from people who knew her and the wider Cork community who were touched by the "devastating tragedy".
Gillian was described as a "fun loving friend and devoted mother" who leaves behind "bouquets of beautiful memories" as well as being a teacher who had an "inner glow of goodness".
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One friend wrote: "Gillian brought so much joy into our lives and made the world a better place for so many people. A wonderful warm, kind, generous, fun loving friend and devoted mother, we will miss her more than it is possible to express, we will always love you and miss you so much Gillian Rest in peace."
Another wrote: "Gillian was a very special teaching colleague who had an inner glow of goodness and generosity which radiated in her wonderful [smiles] and caring disposition, leaving bouquets of beautiful memories for all who knew and loved her."
A mother of some of her former pupils wrote: "My deepest condolences to Ms. Daly's family and boys. She was my boys teacher and they always remember her as one of the nicest teachers they had. May she rest in peace."
A former student also left a message of condolence saying Gillian was their teacher in Junior Infants and remembers her fondly as their "favourite teacher".
One person wrote: "Everyone in Cork has been touched by this devastating tragedy and I hope that the prayers and loving thoughts of so many anonymous people being sent to you will help in some way as you try to come to terms with your very personal and heartbreaking loss."
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Gillian was originally from Millstreet but had been living in Marlborough in the greater Douglas area of Cork city. Her funeral mass will be held on Tuesday at 11am in St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet.
A funeral notice on Rip.ie reads: "Gillian, beloved wife of John O'Connell, adored mother of Evan and Luke and daughter of John Joe and Helen.
"Sadly missed by her heartbroken husband, children, parents, sister Caroline, brothers Jason and John, parents-in-law Martin and Eileen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunt, nephews, nieces, neighbours, relatives and her many friends, especially Nuala.
"Lying in repose at Martin and Eileen's residence in Ardcarrig Estate, Bandon Road, Kinsale on Monday evening from 5pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11am in St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet which will be livestreamed, funeral afterwards to St. Eltin's Cemetery, Kinsale (arriving at 2pm approx.)"
Divers recovered Ms Daly's body from the submerged vehicle after it was lifted by a crane shortly after midnight later on Friday night.
The two boys were taken to Cork University Hospital and treated for shock before being released into the care of relatives.
Gardai are treating the incident as a tragic accident.
