MUM-OF-TWO DANIELLE O’KEANE DIES AFTER DUBLIN RICKSHAW CRASH FOLLOWING WESTLIFE CONCERT

A night that was supposed to be filled with music, laughter and memories has ended in heartbreak for a family in Newry.

Danielle O’Keane, a 37-year-old mother of two, has died after being critically injured in a rickshaw crash in Dublin following a Westlife concert.

Danielle had travelled to Dublin with friends to enjoy the band’s show at the 3Arena on September 26. After the concert, she was making her way toward the city centre to meet her husband and friends when the tragedy happened.

She died in hospital on Thursday, October 1, almost a week after the incident.

A NIGHT OUT THAT ENDED IN TRAGEDY

Danielle, from Saval in Newry, County Down, had been enjoying what was meant to be a rare night out with friends.

After leaving the 3Arena, Danielle and three friends travelled in a motorised rickshaw toward Dublin city centre.

According to reports, the rickshaw struck a divider near North Wall Quay and overturned. Danielle suffered catastrophic injuries and was taken to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, where she was treated in intensive care.

Her family spent several days hoping for a recovery.

But doctors ultimately determined that Danielle had suffered a life-ending brain injury, according to her family. She remained on life support before her death was confirmed on October 1.

“HER LIFE WAS ABOUT HER KIDS AND HER HUSBAND”

Danielle is remembered by her family as a loving and selfless mother whose world revolved around her family.

She leaves behind her husband, Dave, and their two young sons, Caolán and Cillian.

Her sister-in-law Aisling O’Keane said Danielle had been looking forward to a family holiday and had packed her suitcases shortly before the tragedy.

She described Danielle as “organised, loving, selfless” and said her life was centered around her husband and children.

Her funeral notice described her as a much-loved wife and mother, as well as a beloved daughter and sister.

Friends and former colleagues have also shared emotional tributes, remembering Danielle for her kindness, warmth and personality.

WESTLIFE HONORS DANIELLE

News of Danielle’s death also reached the band whose concert she had attended that night.

During a performance in Newcastle upon Tyne, Westlife dedicated two of their best-known songs to Danielle and her family.

The band performed “Flying Without Wings” and “You Raise Me Up” in her memory.

Nicky Byrne told the audience that the first song was dedicated to Danielle and her entire family, while Shane Filan said the second was for everyone who had lost someone they loved.

The tribute brought another emotional moment to a story that began with what was supposed to be a joyful evening at a concert.

SUPPORT FOR HER FAMILY

In the aftermath of the crash, Danielle’s family launched a fundraiser to help them through the difficult period ahead.

The campaign has received enormous support from friends, relatives and members of the wider community.

By October 4, the fundraiser had raised more than £129,000, showing the scale of support for Danielle’s husband and two young children.

Local communities in Newry and Saval have also rallied around the family, with a prayer service held earlier in the week as Danielle remained in hospital.

GARDAÍ APPEAL FOR WITNESSES

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

They have appealed to anyone who was travelling around North Wall Quay between approximately 10:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on September 26 to come forward, particularly anyone who may have dashcam or other camera footage.

The appeal is aimed at helping investigators establish exactly what happened before and during the collision.

For Danielle’s family, however, the investigation cannot change the devastating reality they now face.

A husband has lost his wife. Two young boys have lost their mother.

And a woman who left home for an evening of music with friends will now be remembered by the people who loved her most.

Her family had expected to be preparing for a holiday together.

Instead, they are preparing to say goodbye.