“SHE WAS THE MOST LOVING, SELFLESS PERSON” — DANIELLE O’KEANE REMEMBERED AFTER TRAGIC DUBLIN CRASH

A NIGHT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO END WITH HAPPY MEMORIES

Danielle O’Keane was 37, a mother of two young boys and a woman her family described as loving, selfless and full of life.

On September 26, she had spent the evening with friends at a Westlife concert at Dublin’s 3Arena.

It was supposed to be a night of music, laughter and memories.

Instead, on the journey into Dublin city centre afterwards, everything changed.

Danielle was travelling in a motorised rickshaw with friends when a collision occurred on North Wall Quay at around 11 p.m. She suffered catastrophic injuries and was taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

A FAMILY WAITED AND HOPED

Danielle remained in intensive care for several days.

Her family were told that she had suffered a devastating brain injury, and she was placed on life support while doctors assessed her condition.

Her brother-in-law described her as someone with a “heart of gold” who was full of energy and life.

But perhaps one of the most painful details for the family was everything Danielle still had to look forward to.

She had two young sons, Caolán, 5, and Cillian, 2.

The family had also packed their bags for their first holiday together in Mallorca, due to begin on October 5.

The suitcases were ready.

The plans were made.

Then everything changed.

“HER LIFE WAS ABOUT HER KIDS AND HER HUSBAND”

Danielle’s sister-in-law Aisling remembered her as an incredibly loving and organised person whose family meant everything to her.

Speaking about the night of the accident, she said the friends had enjoyed the Westlife concert before taking a rickshaw towards the city centre to meet their husbands and partners.

The journey lasted only moments before the accident happened.

For the family, a night that began as a celebration became an unimaginable tragedy.

DANIELLE’S DEATH WAS CONFIRMED ON OCTOBER 1

After days in hospital, Danielle died on Thursday, October 1.

Gardaí confirmed that a woman in her 30s had been seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on North Wall Quay and later died in hospital.

Her death notice described her as the much-loved wife of Dave and beloved mother of Caolán and Cillian.

She was also remembered as a daughter, sister, aunt and friend whose loss has devastated an entire family circle.

WESTLIFE HEARD ABOUT HER STORY

Just days later, Westlife paid an emotional tribute to Danielle during their Newcastle concert.

The band dedicated “Flying Without Wings” and “You Raise Me Up” to her and everyone who has lost someone they love.

Nicky Byrne told the audience that the songs were for Danielle and her family, while Shane Filan said the performance was also for everyone grieving someone close to them.

The tribute moved fans who had followed Danielle’s story.

A COMMUNITY HAS RALLIED AROUND HER FAMILY

As news of Danielle’s condition spread, supporters began donating to a fundraiser established for her family.

By October 4, the appeal had raised more than £129,000, reflecting the enormous response from people who never knew Danielle personally but wanted to help her husband and children.

For a family facing the loss of a mother and wife, that support has become one small source of comfort during an otherwise devastating time.

GARDAÍ ARE STILL LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.

Gardaí have appealed to road users who may have dashcam or other camera footage from the North Wall Quay area between approximately 10:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on September 26.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Store Street Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.

REMEMBERING DANIELLE

For those closest to Danielle, she was never simply the woman at the centre of a tragic news story.

She was a mother who loved her two boys.

A wife who was looking forward to a family holiday.

A daughter, sister and friend.

And a woman whose family says brought warmth and kindness wherever she went.

The night she attended a Westlife concert was meant to become a happy memory.

Instead, it became the last night of Danielle’s life.

Now her family, friends and an entire community are left remembering the woman behind the headlines — and supporting the two young boys who have lost their mum.

SOURCES

• The Journal — Danielle’s family, children and details surrounding the accident.
• The Sun Ireland — Westlife’s tribute and family remembrance.
• Newry.ie — Local coverage and community fundraiser for Danielle’s family.