The traumatic death of camogie player Kate Moran “tests people’s faith,” the priest says ahead of her funeral this afternoon

The death of camogie player Kate Moran after an accident during a game is such a tragic loss that it “tested people’s faith,” a priest said ahead of her funeral on Friday afternoon.

s Moran will be buried this afternoon. Her remains will arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Ryehill, Monivea for the 1pm funeral service before burial at Templemoyle Cemetery in Newcastle, Athenry.

Hundreds of mourners attended a wake for Kate at her family home in Monivea on Thursday night to pay their respects to the NUIG student and talented camogie player.

As more details of the freak accident come to light, Independent.ie can reveal Ms Moran’s father Cathal witnessed the incident during a league match between Athenry and Ardrahan on Monday night.

It is understood that Ms Moran was accidentally hit by the backswing of a slingshot under the base of her helmet.

Last night hundreds of mourners attended the Moran family home in Monivea to pay their respects to the NUIG third year trade student.

The 20-year-old will be buried in Athenry this morning, just 10 days before her 21st birthday.

Due to the traumatic nature of the accident, the Galway Camogie County Board is providing advice to the players and match officials who witnessed the accident.

Kate, the eldest of four children of Cathal and Mary Moran, who run a successful auction house in Athenry, is buried today as Galway’s sporting community tries to come to terms with her death.

She is also survived by her boyfriend of five years, TJ Brennan, who is a member of the Galway senior hurling team, and by her grandparents, Bridie Moran and Amelia Murphy.

Athenry’s vicar, Father Benny McHale, said that Irish Independent The devastating nature of the tragedy for her family and loved ones is so tragic that it “tested people’s faith.”

“I have never seen such a veil of sadness and shock envelop the entire community in all my years,” he said.

“Kate really was such a beautiful person. People say that a lot when someone dies, but she really was very special.

“She had many interests and was very lively
Person. She was a very balanced girl between her studies, her boyfriend and her camogie.

“Her mother told me she saved up and bought her own car, so she was independent and resourceful.

“The younger players in the team are very upset. She was a mentor to them, which was just another beautiful aspect of her personality.

“What can anyone say? It’s such a tragedy. It certainly tests people’s faith.

“People ask why. Why did this happen? And why Kate? There is no answer to that.

“And the accident itself was such a crazy thing.

“I don’t know how many thousands gathered for her vigil, but it had an amazing impact on the community. People are truly heartbroken that this has happened to such decent and great people.

“As you’d expect, they’re angry and sad and wondering why her and why Kate.

“I wish there was an answer I could give you.”

A candlelit vigil was held on Wednesday night to recognize Kate’s contribution to her community and was attended by hundreds of friends, clubmates and mourners who sang Fields of Athenry to honor her.