3 days ago
Irish woman's body flown home from Spain as brother says she was ‘a beautiful and kind' sister
Lorcan Moloney pays tribute to his sister who died suddenly in Spain
The body of Diane Moloney (24) who died suddenly in Spain on May 30 was flown home to Ireland on Friday as her family come to terms with the loss of a person who touched their hearts.
Diane's eldest brother, Lorcan, was faced with the heart-rending task of travelling to Spain this week to identify his sister's remains.
'It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But I'm glad I did it as now she can come home to us,' Lorcan told The Kerryman.
A native of Listowel in north Kerry, Diane was close to her siblings, Eddie and Lorcan, who are still finding it difficult to come to terms with the loss of their loving sister.
'It hasn't hit us yet that she is dead. No family should have to go through what we are going through. It's tough. I'm sure when she is buried it will hit us the hardest,' Lorcan said.
Diane Moloney
'Diane was the nicest person in the world. Myself and Eddie couldn't have asked for a better sister. Even though I am the eldest, Diane took control of everything and looked after us. She loved life and always had everything planned.'
Diane turned 24 years old on May 22 and lived in Spain with her partner for the past three years. She taught in a local creche and was studying infant massage.
Lorcan explains how he was talking with his sister on the phone the day before she died. She was happy and glad that he was planning a visit to see her and to celebrate her recent birthday.
'To get the news last Friday when the guards came to the house, it was a blow. They told us she had died. The local guards have been nothing but helpful. Michael Healy-Rae has also been very supportive with his phone calls to the family,' Lorcan said.
In happier times. The late Diane Moloney with her brothers Eddie and Lorcan.
News in 90 Seconds - 7th June
The Moloney's set up a GoFundMe page to help with the repatriation costs of bringing Diane home and for her coming funeral. The family thanked the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for their support. Over €33,000 has so far been raised as part of the appeal.
'Without them we wouldn't know where we would be. For the help and support they have given us, we are extremely grateful. They are living saints,' he said.
"We have a GoFundMe set up and the majority of that money is going back to the Kevin Bell Foundation, as they helped with everything. The rest will be for her funeral and collecting her belongings in Spain,' he said.
Diane's family are glad that her remains are coming home and will be buried in the company of those who loved her. Lorcan thanked the people 'from the bottom of my heart' for donating money and their messages of support.
'All the local businesses have been great. The two I really want to thank is Urban Cuts and Strive Gym. They have held collections and there is actually a fundraiser tomorrow at Urban Cuts if people want to get their hair cut the money is going towards the GoFundMe page,' Lorcan said.
'The generosity and support of people is beyond great. I know Diane is looking down with a smile on her face looking at the family, community, friends and everyone coming together helping her.'
Lastly, Lorcan said Diane loved life and went to the gym every day and lived a healthy lifestyle. She enjoyed her daily coffee and a social drink at the weekends with friends.
'You just couldn't meet anyone nicer. She was beautiful, kind, and generous. Those are the three words that best describe her. She was always in contact with us. She and Eddie spoke every day. She was always there for us and we will forever miss her.'
