Accident claims life of Downpatrick pensioner

Accident claims life of Downpatrick pensioner

7 March 2012

Accident claims life

of Downpatrick pensioner

THE Downpatrick woman who was killed in a car accident outside the town last Friday night was buried yesterday afternoon following a private funeral service.

Mrs. Frances McCready was driving along the Belfast Road close to the Ballynahinch Road junction just before 6pm when her car was involved in a collision with another vehicle.

Highly respected in the community, Mrs. McCready was a former teacher at Killyleagh High School and was understood to be the last surviving member of the school’s original teaching staff.

Predeceased by her husband Jimmy and son Jonathan, Mrs. McCready is survived by her sons Jareth and Jeremy, daughter-in-law Gillian, Coreena, granddaughters Emma and Rachel and brothers John and Roy.

Local politicians have paid tribute to the Downpatrick woman who lived at Roughal Park and extended their sympathy to her family.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, who came across Friday night’s accident, said her thoughts are with the McCready family and the man and woman travelling in the other car involved in the accident.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon said it was a “tragedy” that last weekend’s accident had claimed someone’s life. He said the community is “united” in its sympathy for the McCready family.

Rowallane councillors William Dick, Billy Walker and Robert Burgess also extended sympathy to the McCready family. Councillor Dick extended his condolence and support to the family and described last weekend’s accident as “tragic.”

“While a lady was killed in this terrible tragedy, it is extremely fortunate not more people were seriously injured as this is a very busy road,” he added.

Councillor Walker said people in Killyleagh, many of whom were taught by Mrs. McCready, were shocked when they heard news of her death last Saturday morning.

“As I understand it, Mrs. McCready was the only surviving member of the school’s original teaching staff. I extend sympathy to her sons and family on behalf of the people of Killyleagh,” he continued.

“Mrs. McCready was a lady held in the highest regard and it’s so sad that her life ended in such a way. The thoughts and prayers of everyone will be with her family at this time.”

Councillor Burgess said it was sad there has been another fatality on the district’s roads and that his thoughts are with the McCready family and the other people caught up in the weekend accident.