DANIELLE O’KEANE DIES DAYS AFTER WESTLIFE CONCERT — MOTHER OF TWO REMEMBERED AS “FULL OF LIFE”

A family night that was supposed to end with music, laughter and a journey home has instead ended in heartbreak.

Danielle O’Keane, 37, from Newry, Northern Ireland, has died after suffering catastrophic brain injuries in a road crash in Dublin following a Westlife concert.

The mother of two had travelled to Dublin with friends on September 26 to see Westlife perform at the 3Arena.

Hours later, while making her way into the city centre to meet her husband, Danielle was involved in a crash that would change her family’s life forever.

A NIGHT THAT TURNED INTO A TRAGEDY

Danielle had enjoyed what was described by her family as a rare night out with friends.

After the concert, she was travelling in a motorised rickshaw towards Dublin city centre.

At around 11 p.m. on September 26, the vehicle was involved in a collision on North Wall Quay in Dublin 1.

According to reports from people close to the family, the rickshaw clipped a divider between a cycle lane and the main road before overturning.

Danielle fell from the vehicle and was struck by another vehicle.

Gardaí confirmed that a woman in her 30s was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle at North Wall Quay and was taken by ambulance to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

 FAMILY WAS TOLD HER INJURIES WERE CATASTROPHIC

Danielle was admitted to intensive care and placed on a ventilator.

Her family later said doctors had determined that she had suffered a life-ending brain injury.

Her brother-in-law Derek described the days that followed as an incredibly painful period for the family, as doctors carried out further testing to establish the extent of her injuries.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, Danielle sadly died on October 1, surrounded by members of her family.

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

SHE LEAVES BEHIND TWO YOUNG SONS

Danielle was the mother of two boys, Caolán, 5, and Cillian, 2.

Her family said she had been looking forward to spending time with them and her husband.

They were also preparing for what was supposed to be their first family holiday to Mallorca.

The family’s bags had reportedly already been packed for the trip, which was due to take place in early October.

Instead, the family is now preparing to say goodbye to Danielle.

“FULL OF LIFE, FULL OF ENERGY”

Those closest to Danielle have described her as someone who brought warmth and happiness to the people around her.

Her brother-in-law said she was “full of life, full of energy” and had a “heart of gold.”

Friends have also taken to social media to remember the mother of two.

One tribute described Danielle as an “amazing woman” who would be deeply missed, while another said she was “the best of us.”

Her family has been overwhelmed by the response from friends, relatives and members of the wider community.

A COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND THE FAMILY

A fundraising campaign was established to support Danielle’s family during the devastating aftermath of the crash.

Within days, the appeal had raised more than £100,000, reflecting the scale of support from people in Newry, Dublin and beyond.

A prayer service was also held at St Joseph’s Church in Sheeptown, where members of the local community gathered to pray for Danielle and her family while she remained in hospital.

Westlife were also reported to have reached out to Danielle’s family following the crash.

 GARDAÍ ARE STILL INVESTIGATING

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.

Garda forensic collision investigators examined the scene after the incident.

Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dashcam footage from the area to come forward.

In particular, Gardaí are seeking footage from road users who were travelling around North Wall Quay between 10:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on September 26.

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

 FROM A WESTLIFE CONCERT TO A FAMILY’S DARKEST DAYS

Danielle had gone to Dublin expecting nothing more than a special night with friends, music and a chance to enjoy herself.

Instead, a few hours later, her family was fighting for her life in a hospital ICU.

Now, her husband has lost his wife, and two young boys have lost their mother.

Danielle’s family will remember her not for the crash, but for the person she was before it — a loving wife, devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend.

She was only 37.

She had two young children waiting for her, a family holiday ahead and so much more life to live.

Now, her loved ones are asking people to remember Danielle for the joy, energy and love she brought into their lives.

Rest in peace, Danielle O’Keane.