By Dionne Meehan

HUNDREDS of mourners came together in a deeply emotional gathering at Sacred Heart Church in Carndonagh today to pay their final respects to a beloved mum and daughter.

Natalie and Ella McLaughlin, from Pound Street in Carndonagh, tragically lost their lives in a devastating two-vehicle collision in the town last Wednesday, leaving the local community heartbroken.

Ella, who was just six-years-old, was pronounced dead at the scene while the other three occupants of the car, her mother Natalie, her father Tyrone and her baby sister Rhea-Rose, were removed to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry for treatment.

Natalie, who was aged in her 20s and who worked as a nurse in a local doctor’s surgery, was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast but succumbed to her injuries on Thursday evening.

Her daughter Rhea-Rose and partner Tyrone continue to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Hundreds of people gathered with heavy hearts at Sacred Heart Church in Carndonagh today for requiem Mass, united in mourning and support for the grieving family.

Two white coffins draped in flowers lined the altar as Chief Celebrant, Carndonagh Parish Priest, Rev Con McLaughlin addressed the crowds.

“The grey sky was a fitting backdrop for the arrival of Natalie McLaughlin’s remains to her home on Church Road,” Rev McLaughlin said.

“The silence was only broken by the sound of the feet of those carrying her coffin.”

By this time, Ella’s remains had already been brought home.

“The silence said it all,” Rev McLaughlin said.

“An unspeakable tragedy and the pain felt throughout the whole community.”

Rev McLaughlin recalled that last Wednesday, Natalie set off in her little red Opel Corsa with her two children and her partner, Tyrone.

“This would be a journey which was to rob them of their young lives,” Rev McLaughlin said.

“Ella was killed instantly and her mother Natalie, who was the driver, was left unresponsive.

“And despite the gallant efforts of the emergency services and the Coastguard helicopter, together with the similarly gallant medical staff at Altnagelvin Hospital, only two of the occupants survived.

“My abiding memory is that of little Rhea-Rose, one of the survivors and only 18 months old.

“Drifting in and out of consciousness, each time she woke up she would cry and she would raise her little arms as if wanting to be lifted from the stretcher.

“As I, with the family and the extended family stood watching helplessly, the enormity of the tragedy etched on their faces said it all.

“The sounds of the medical staff trying desperately to preserve life, the cries and actions of the little girl with two broken legs, brought home to me the pain and hopelessness of the situation.”

Rev McLaughlin said the pain of the tragedy is being felt not only in Carndonagh, but across Inishowen and far beyond.

“It revives painful memories of all too many similar tragedies that have taken place throughout this region,” Rev McLaughlin said.

Speaking with Natalie’s parents in the wake of the tragedy, Rev McLaughlin told of how they find some comfort in knowing that Natalie and Ella are now together.

“I spoke to Natalie’s parents and just one comment was forthcoming,” Rev McLaughlin said.

“Natalie’s mother said ‘the only consolation I have now, is that they are together’.

“Two young, beautiful lives cruelly cut short by tragedy.”

As Mass came to an end, Natalie and Ella’s family members delivered an emotional eulogy.

They described Natalie as the best big sister, mum, friend, niece, cousin and daughter.

“She put everyone before herself, maybe sometimes a little bit too much, but it was obvious how much of a caring person she really was,” the eulogy read.

“When you ask Nat for help, you already knew the answer, yes.

“She was just that loving and thoughtful.

“When Nat asked ‘how are you?’ you could see how much she genuinely cared for your answer.

“As a mother, she took care of two beautiful children who were always reminded they were the most loved in the world.

“Natalie loved her job; she was an amazing nurse, which is no wonder as she was such a kind, caring, loving, vibrant young woman, who would make anyone feel welcome with her smile and her soft spoken nature.

“You always hear people rave about the excellent care and compassion Natalie would give.

“I know you are listening Nat, you know how much everyone loves you.”

Meanwhile, little Ella was remembered as the light of her family’s lives.

“For a girl so young, there is absolutely no doubt she was entirely sure about who she was,” the eulogy read.

“So outgoing, so intelligent, she lived such a full life in her very short six years.”

On the family’s most recent holiday to Portugal just two weeks ago, Ella learned to swim, play chess and to do magic tricks.

“Our perfect, crazy girl, with her cheeky little face and sassy attitude, it was easy for Ella to leave a lasting impression on everyone that she met,” the eulogy read.

“For the last six years, we have been kept completely entertained.

“Ella possesses the biggest, craziest personality and the sweetest soul.

“Every emotion with Ella was heightened and so pure.

“She had the ability to love so intensely, from tight cuddles and showers of kisses to finding love notes she had place all around the house.

“We will love and miss you Ella, every single second of every day.”

The Mass concluded with the song ‘Die with a Smile’ by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga playing over the speakers, a heartfelt tribute to Ella, who loved singing along to it.

Following Mass, Natalie and Ella to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

Natalie and Ella are the much loved mother and sister of Rhea-Rose, cherished daughter and granddaughter of Joanne and Danny and adored sister and niece of Lara, Tiarnan and Ryan.

They are deeply regretted and sadly missed by their grandparents and great grandparents, Lynn and Anthony Noone and Margaret and Hugh McLaughlin, Natalie’s partner Tyrone, nieces and nephews, wider family circle, friends and neighbours.