Funeral details announced for 'kind, caring and gentle' teen killed in crash
The two-car collision occurred at Ballygaddy Road in Tuam at approximately 6.05pm on Sunday (July 13).
Samantha Gannon, 19, was driving one of the vehicles and was rushed to University Hospital Galway (UHG) with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, she passed away in hospital on Wednesday.
The driver and passenger in the second vehicle, a man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s, were also taken to UHG for non-life-threatening injuries.
Samantha's family have confirmed that the tragic teenager will be will be laid to rest alongside her grandfather Paddy on Sunday.
Samantha will lie in repose at Glynn's Funeral Home on High Street, Tuam, from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday afternoon, followed by removal to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, where her funeral will be held at 3pm on Sunday. Samantha Gannon sadly passed away
Following the funeral service, Samantha will be laid to rest with her beloved grandfather Paddy Gannon in Abbeyknockmoy Cemetery.
Tributes continue to pour in for the popular young woman, who was training to be a nurse at Atlantic Technological University in Galway.
While studying for her nursing degree, Samantha worked at Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam, with her colleagues writing in a message shared online: "Gone too soon but never forgotten. We honour the memory of our beloved colleague Samantha whose presence brought comfort and care to many. You had a gently soul and caring heart. We will miss you deeply. Sincere condolences to Bridie, Frank, and all of Samantha's family and friends. May she rest in peace."
A family friend said: "So so sorry Frank and Bridie & Alex, Chloe, Megan, To Nanny Mary and all Samantha's cousins, Uncles and Aunties, and Friends on your huge loss, Samantha's beautiful smile and warm personality will be missed but fondly remembered. May Samantha rest in peace."
While a classmate's of Samantha's at ATU said: "Rest in peace Samantha. You were the kindest soul, so gentle and a friendly smiling face always around college. My deepest condolences to your family. You left a beautiful memory in everyone's lives that were privileged enough to meet you. Sleep tight sweetheart, you'll never be forgotten."
The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Gardaí are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the collision to come forward.
Anybody who was in the Ballygaddy Road area between 5.50pm and 6.15pm and who may have witnessed the incident should contact investigating gardaí.
Any road users who were travelling in this vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Gardaí can be contacted at the Tuam garda station on 093 70840, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
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