MUM-OF-TWO DANIELLE O’KEANE DIES AFTER DUBLIN RICKSHAW CRASH — WESTLIFE PAYS EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE

A night that was supposed to be filled with music, laughter and memories ended in unimaginable heartbreak for Danielle O’Keane and her family.

The 37-year-old mother of two from Saval, Newry, died on October 1 after sustaining catastrophic brain injuries in a road collision in Dublin following a Westlife concert.

Danielle had travelled to Dublin with friends for what was described as a rare night out. She was on her way from the 3Arena to meet her husband and friends when the tragedy happened.

Now, her family is grieving a wife, mother, daughter and sister — while Gardaí continue to investigate exactly what happened that night.

 A NIGHT OUT THAT ENDED IN TRAGEDY

Danielle had attended Westlife’s concert at Dublin’s 3Arena on September 26 with friends.

After the concert, she and three other women travelled by motorised rickshaw toward Dublin city centre, where they planned to meet their husbands and partners.

At approximately 11 p.m., the rickshaw was involved in a collision on North Wall Quay.

Reports say the vehicle struck a curb or divider and overturned. Danielle fell from the rickshaw and was subsequently struck by another vehicle.

Gardaí confirmed that a woman in her 30s was struck by a vehicle at approximately 11 p.m. and was taken by ambulance to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital with serious injuries.

DOCTORS TOLD THE FAMILY THE INJURY WAS LIFE-ENDING

Danielle was placed in intensive care and remained on a ventilator.

During the days that followed, her family faced the devastating news that doctors believed she had suffered a life-ending brain injury.

Her brother-in-law Derek previously described Danielle as a woman who was “full of life, full of energy” and had a “heart of gold.”

Her loved ones were forced to wait as doctors carried out further testing to establish the extent of her injuries.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, Danielle died in hospital on Thursday, October 1, almost a week after the crash.

A MOTHER OF TWO WHO HAD SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Danielle leaves behind two young sons, Caolán, 5, and Cillian, 2, and her husband, Dave.

Her family said the children had been looking forward to their first family holiday, with a trip to Mallorca planned for October 5.

The bags had already been packed.

That holiday will now never happen.

Her sister-in-law Aisling described Danielle as loving and selfless, saying her life revolved around her husband and children.

A funeral notice described her as the much-loved wife of Dave and dear mother of Caolán and Cillian, as well as the beloved daughter of Michael and Pauline and sister of Barry and her twin brother, Sean.

 “SHE WAS THE MOST AMAZING WOMAN”

As news of Danielle’s death spread, tributes began pouring in from friends, former classmates and members of the community.

People remembered her for her kindness, warmth and smile.

One tribute described her as a devoted mother, while others spoke about the enormous loss now facing her husband, children and wider family.

For those who knew Danielle, she was not simply the woman at the centre of a tragic accident.

She was a mother who loved her boys, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend.

WESTLIFE DEDICATES TWO SONGS TO DANIELLE

Danielle’s final night out had been to see Westlife perform.

Days after her death, the band paid an emotional tribute to her during their concert at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.

Before performing “Flying Without Wings,” Nicky Byrne told the audience that the song was being dedicated to Danielle and her entire family.

He asked the crowd to sing for her.

Later, Shane Filan dedicated “You Raise Me Up” to Danielle and to everyone who had lost someone they loved.

The moment moved fans who had followed Danielle’s story and offered another emotional connection between the concert she had attended and the family now mourning her.

 COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND HER FAMILY

A GoFundMe campaign was established to help Danielle’s family cope with the financial and emotional consequences of the tragedy.

The response from the public has been overwhelming.

By October 4, the fundraiser had raised more than £128,000, with donations coming from people in Ireland and beyond.

The campaign was initially created to help the family with expenses while Danielle remained in hospital.

It has since become a powerful demonstration of the support surrounding Dave, their two young children and their wider family.

 GARDAÍ APPEAL FOR WITNESSES

The investigation into the collision remains ongoing.

Gardaí are asking anyone who was travelling around North Wall Quay between 10:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on September 26 to come forward.

In particular, investigators are seeking dashcam and other camera footage that may have captured the incident or the moments immediately before and after it.

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

The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the rickshaw collision and the subsequent road incident.

 A FAMILY LEFT WITH MEMORIES INSTEAD OF A HOLIDAY

Only days before her death, Danielle had been preparing for what should have been a joyful family milestone.

The suitcases were packed.

Her children were looking forward to their first holiday.

She had gone to Dublin for a night of music with friends.

And then, in a matter of moments, everything changed.

Her family now faces the devastating task of raising two young boys without their mother while trying to preserve the memories of the woman they describe as loving, selfless and full of life.

REMEMBERING DANIELLE

Danielle O’Keane was just 37 years old.

She had a husband she loved, two small children, parents, siblings and a wide circle of friends and relatives who now have to face an unimaginable loss.

Westlife’s tribute brought the story full circle — from a night that began with music and excitement to a moment of remembrance for a woman whose life ended days later.

As Gardaí continue their investigation and funeral arrangements are prepared, Danielle’s family and community are remembering her for who she was beyond the tragedy:

a devoted mother, a loving wife and a woman remembered for her warmth, kindness and heart. 🤍