
Funeral details confirmed for Leaving Cert student killed in tragic river crash
Tributes are being paid to the 18-year-old Rockwell College student following the incident at Kilaldry Bridge in the townland of Kilmoyler on Thursday night.
Gardaí were alerted after Ms English failed to return to her home in Clonmel on Thursday night.
In a statement on social media, Rockwell College described the sixth-year student as "kind, vibrant, happy and talented" and said she would be "dearly missed".
'Bronagh was a kind, vibrant, happy, and talented student and friend who will be dearly missed and remembered with great love,' the statement read.
"We ask you to please keep Bronagh's parents, siblings, wider family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.'
It is understood Ms English's Ford Fiesta hit a low wall and flipped into the Aherlow river, where it was discovered in the early hours of Friday.
A Garda sub aqua team later located Ms English and her body was recovered from the river at about 5am. She was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was taken to Tipperary University Hospital (TUH), where a post-mortem will be carried out.
Her death notice on rip.ie announces her funeral details 'with immense sadness' on the passing of the family's 'beloved Brónagh, who was taken from us far too soon'.
Brónagh was the 'dearly-loved' daughter of Michael and Danielle and devoted sister of Mia, Mikey and David as well as the cherished granddaughter of Greta and Donie Ormonde and Carmel and her recently-deceased husband John English.
Her remains will be reposing at her residence at Anner Park House, Waterford Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary on Monday from 2pm to 7pm.
Her funeral mass will take place on Tuesday at midday in St John the Baptist Church, Powerstown in Clonmel, followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.
Clonmel Ladies Hockey Club also paid their respects to the popular young woman, saying: "Our community is shattered. It is with profound sadness that we offer our sincerest and deepest condolences to the family of Bronagh English, who has tragically died. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the unimaginable loss of beautiful Bronagh.'
Clonmel Rugby Football Club added: 'On behalf of our President Mr John Sheehan, it is with huge sadness Clonmel Rugby Football Club, Members, General Committee and the community offer our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bronagh English, who sadly lost her life.'
The club said that they, along with the wider community of Clonmel, neighbouring towns, villages and townlands in south Co Tipperary and "across the nation now begin the journey of coming to terms to deal with the mourning process of this very sad passing, we also extend our offer of help and support to Bronagh's parents, siblings, extended English family, wide circle of friends and school Rockwell College".
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with relevant camera footage, to contact Cahir Garda station on (052) 7445630.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Espionage and ‘destructive ideologies' are among main threats to State, says Garda report
The Garda 's national security service has warned about the 'ever present' threat from foreign spies intent on stealing sensitive political information and intellectual property. In a newly published document, the Security and Intelligence branch also raises concerns about the threat of 'destructive ideologies' and the rise of extremism in Ireland. The force 's Annual Security Services Plan offers a rare, though vaguely worded, insight into what it believes are the main threats facing the State. It comes amid efforts by the Government to revamp the State's clandestine security services in the face of increasing foreign threats. Almost uniquely among western countries, the Garda is responsible for both day-to-day policing and State security. READ MORE It says the Garda's secretive Security and Intelligence Service is responsible for State security. One of its key roles is liaising with overseas secret services, while the role of its operational arm, the Special Detective Unit, is 'identifying, investigating and reporting for prosecution' threats to State security, it says. The report says the service will also be required to carry out threat assessments and security operations relating to Ireland's presidency of the EU next year. According to the report, the main threats to the State are 'terrorism, violent political extremism, espionage, sabotage and subversion'. Ireland is a 'potential target of hostile state actors' that are intent on stealing information on 'intellectual property, as well as policies and political information of the State'. The report does not specify which countries are a threat, although senior security officials have previously raised concerns about espionage activities by Russia, China and Iran. In particular, China is believed to regularly attempt to gain access to the intellectual property of technology and pharmaceutical companies here. A Russian expatriates network accused of acting as an extension of the Kremlin's security services has also been active in Ireland , while there is evidence China has been using a Dublin-based overseas Chinese service centre to coerce its citizens living here . In recent years, the Government has taken steps to reduce the number of Russian intelligence agents in Ireland. It has introduced national security legislation preventing Russia from extending its embassy and has refused to issue visas to multiple incoming diplomats. In a sign of the evolving security landscape, the threat from 'subversion', typically a reference to violent Republican groups, is only alluded to once in the document. However, Ireland is 'not immune' from the threats of terrorism and extremism seen in other EU countries, including 'lone wolf' extremists, the report warns. A stabbing attack on a Defence Forces chaplain in Galway last year by a radicalised teenager has been officially designated as Ireland's first Islamic terrorist attack. Another stabbing attack on a Garda, which is currently before the courts, is also been investigated as potential Islamic-inspired terrorism, while there are also concerns about possible attacks from far-right extremists, sources say. 'The proliferation of destructive ideologies poses a direct threat to the values of democratic society, threatens lives and endangers the freedoms and norms that we have become accustomed to in a secure society,' the report warns. 'Interconnected groupings/individuals displaying extremist and terrorist ideologies present a potential threat to the security of the State and our citizens.' The Government has committed to a ring-fenced budget that will allow the security service to expand recruitment of civilians with specialist skills, it says. In a forward to the plan, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris , who retires at the end of August, says Garda capabilities in the areas of national security, counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism 'will continue to be enhanced and partnerships between national and international partners will be developed, maintained and strengthened'.


Sunday World
10 hours ago
- Sunday World
Notorious Limerick gang reunited after coke-dealing thug released from prison
The Collopy gang have operated in Limerick city for years and his release sees the band of criminal brothers reunited on the streets for the first time in years Brian, above, and Philip Collopy, below Vincent Collopy has been released after serving four and-a-half years Feared gangster Vincent Collopy walked free from prison this week after serving a four-and-a-half years for cocaine dealing. The Collopy gang have operated in Limerick city for years and his release sees the band of criminal brothers reunited on the streets for the first time in years. Vincent was jailed for six years with the final 18 months suspended in January 2023, after he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine worth €10,500 for sale or supply. He was arrested during a Garda operation which resulted in the seizure of €1.4million worth of cocaine, heroin and tablets, on May 29, 2022. Officers saw him throw a package from a car while they were in pursuit and he later admitted to possessing the cocaine for sale or supply. Vincent Collopy relaxing in the sun Vincent is considered a key member of the criminal gang that includes his brothers Brian, Kieran, Jonathon and Damien. Another brother, Philip, who was known as a fearsome enforcer, died in 2009 when he accidently shot himself with a handgun. Enforcer Originally from St Ita's Street in the Island Field area of the city, they forged a reputation in the early 1990s. Brian Collopy effectively took over as leader as the gang controlled a significant share of the drugs business in Limerick and Munster while boss Christy Keane was in prison. The Keanes had also fallen out with John Ryan, one of the men the Collopys blamed for an attack on their father. In 2003, Ryan was shot dead near his Moyross home, for which Vincent Collopy, then aged 17, was a suspect along with Joe Keane, the son of Kieran Keane, murdered six months earlier. They were never charged in connection with Ryan's death. In 2010, Kieran and Damien Collopy threatened former associate Wilie Moran, who made a complaint to gardaí. A month later Brian and Vincent made further threats, leading to Brian's arrest and Vincent fleeing the jurisdiction to Bulgaria. Brian, above, and Philip Collopy, below . Brian, Kieran and Damien were all later convicted of making threats to kill or cause serious harm. After a European Arrest Warrant was issued for Vincent Collopy, Bulgarian police searched his apartment where they discovered a stash of Xanax tablets. He was subsequently convicted there before being extradited back to Ireland in 2014. Threats He was later convicted and jailed as well for making threats to Willie Moran. Last year, Raymond Collopy faced trial on charges of possessing criminal cash along with his former partner Ciara Bradshaw (43) of Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen. A garda gave evidence that the money, which was found in a sock and was vacuum-packed in three bundles, amounted to about €33,000. He was acquitted of the offence, but the cash was subsequently declared the proceeds of crime in the High Court. Brian and Kieran Collopy also received eight-year prison sentences in 2016 after being caught red-handed as they prepared heroin for sale. The Sunday World previously reported how the Collopys have been targeted by CAB and in 2019 Brian got a €1.3million tax demand handed to him in prison. Prior to that CAB seized a house he owned in Fedamore as part of a €470,000 demand. Vincent Collopy has been released after serving four and-a-half years Today's News in 90 Seconds - 17 August


Sunday World
11 hours ago
- Sunday World
Ian Bailey's solicitor welcomes any DNA breakthroughs in Sophie Tuscan du Plantier case
It is hoped that that any evidence obtained will allow Forensic Science Ireland to make comparisons with DNA samples The solicitor of the late Ian Bailey has welcomed any breakthrough in the case of the murder of Sophie Tuscan du Plantier that could come from an advanced method of DNA collection. A garda cold case team is awaiting a report on whether M Vac Systems, a US DNA collection expert which has been used in a number of murder cases in the US, could identify her killer, according to The Irish Times. Exhibits being tested include the flat rock and large cavity block found at the scene and Ms Toscan du Plantier's dressing gown, leggings, vest and boots. It is hoped that that any evidence obtained will allow Forensic Science Ireland to make comparisons with DNA samples from some 10 people identified as suspects during the original Garda investigation. Speaking to RTÉ's This Week, solicitor Frank Buttimer said his former client had 'voluntarily provided DNA to establish his innocence' many years ago. Solicitor Frank Buttimer He described it as 'extraordinary' and 'worrying' that any alleged link or connection could be proposed given the passage of time and the fact the late Mr Bailey is 'not around to defend his name'. Asked whether the information should be made public in the event Mr Bailey's DNA is found at the scene, Mr Buttimer said: 'I'm sure that in certain quarters there would be a rush to provide such information. "Because in my belief, and certainly in my experience, that within certain sections of the police, there is still this ongoing belief that there is some kind of a link or connection between Mr Bailey and the crime that he has denied throughout his life from the time onwards that it happened, but I suspect that that would certainly emerge into the public domain for one reason or another. He said there has 'always been a rush to put Mr Bailey's name out there as being connected with this offence in certain quarters'. Sophie Tuscan Du Plantier. Picture by Patrick Zimmermann/AFP via Getty Images Mr Buttimer said there would be legal implications in the event that a suspect is identified. "Insofar as Ian Bailey is concerned, we have this thing in Irish law called the presumption of innocence. Ian Bailey is presumed innocent by the State of Ireland,' he said. "He was never prosecuted, as we know, a completely spurious case was taken against him in France, where he was found guilty, but that was a predictable event. "Were it to be the case that DNA points the finger in some other quarter, perhaps the French who were so vigorous in their pursuit of him might take time to reflect upon what happened to Ian Bailey during the course of his life." He said Mr Bailey was 'always hounded and pursued over the 27 or 28 years from the time of that dreadful crime to the time of his death, it destroyed his life.' Asked whether the DNA testing could provide a breakthrough in the case, Mr Buttimer said his understanding is that the technology has not been tested in the Irish courts. "The one thing that would be of concern to me would have been the idea that he's just not around to defend himself, if there was any suggestion of any connection between him and the sampling.' He said DNA evidence can be 'challenged' in certain circumstance and it is 'not the be all and end all of criminal investigation and forensic assessment'. "I would absolutely say that every avenue should be pursued of any inquiry that's available to get to the truth of this appalling crime,' he added. "It's a stain on on us, really, and it's a stain on our policing and our system. And if anything can be done, even at this late stage, I would absolutely welcome that.' British journalist Ian Bailey. Photo: Collins Today's News in 90 Seconds - 17 August