Teacher 27 killed after falling from a bus and being struck by a car on her way to an after-wedding party

A TEACHER was killed after falling from a bus and being struck by a car on her way to an after-wedding party.

Tributes have been paid to Amanda Kinsella, 27, after the tragedy, with her grieving brother saying the 27-year-old "had a smile that would light up the room".

Tributes have been paid to Amanda Kinsella, who died at the age of 27 Amanda's remains were carried to the church by members of Benneskerry Tinryland GAA ClubCredit: Collins She was a well-known Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) playerCredit: Sportsfile

It's believed that in a freak accident, the teacher had stood up to get something in the bus, when she fell against the door and out onto the road before being struck by a passing vehicle.

The Irish Times explains that the tragedy unfolded when Ms Kinsella was home on holidays from Bahrain.

A teacher from Bennekerry, Co Carlow, she had gone to Donegal in Ireland for a friend’s wedding.

But she fell from a bus at Ardnawark, Barnesmore Gap, outside Donegal Town at about 3.45pm last Friday.

The Independent said Ms Kinsella was travelling with fellow guests on the private bus which was understood to be heading to an after-wedding party.

Although she was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, the popular teacher passed away.

Evoke reported that her family, friends and fellow bus passengers were left absolutely horrified and devastated after her tragic death.

Ms Kinsella was a well-known Gaelic Athletic Association GAA player.

Palatine GAA said in a poignant tribute on Facebook on August 14: "The darkest of clouds has descended over our club and community with the immeasurable loss of Amanda Kinsella, following a tragic accident in Donegal yesterday.

"Amanda was a beautiful person with the most radiant personality and lit up any room she entered.

"She was an outstanding juvenile player for us, right up to under 12 level and her skill, endeavor and determination on the field of play was a joy to behold.

"Amanda moved on to Bennekerry/ Tinryland Ladies as we didn’t have a Ladies team at the time and she was a superstar for them too, our loss was their gain.

"She was home on holiday from her teaching post in Bahrain when this cruellest of accidents occurred and we are simply heartbroken."

Amanda Kinsella was a superstar.

Palatine GAA

Ms Kinsella was farewelled at a funeral mass in her local parish St Mary’s Church, Bennekerry in Carlow on Thursday.

Her heartbroken brother, David Kinsella, said: "I never thought I would be speaking about my dear sister Amanda like this at the age of 27.

"She lit up any room."

He also said that when she was on her travels they were sad that she wouldn't be around but they would "never stop Amanda from living her dream" even though "saying goodbye to her at the airport never got any easier".

Mr Kinsella added: "Last Friday was such a tragedy especially on such a joyous occasion but she was doing what she loved and having fun with friends.

"You will live on in our hearts everyday. We love you Amanda, rest in peace."

'FANTASTIC PERSON'

Her local club in Carlow, Bennekerry/Tinryland Ladies Football Club, said members were “deeply saddened and devastated to hear the news of the utterly tragic passing of club mate Amanda Kinsella.

"A super star 100 times over, we will never ever forget her."

Amanda had also played football for GAA clubs in Bahrain.

Her club in Bahrain, Arabian Celts, said that its "most loved friend, Amanda Kinsella, has passed away after a tragic road accident.

"Amanda was just a fantastic person â€" on and off the pitch.

"Kind, funny and full of fun and adventure. She will be sadly missed by all in Bahrain who were lucky enough to know her."

The Gardai said there has been a "phenomenal response’ to their appeal for information.

Members of Benneskerry/Tinryland GAA club console each other during Thursday's funeral massCredit: Collins A guard of honour from various GAA clubs at the funeral of Amanda KinsellaCredit: Collins

Share this post