RIP: Irish pensioner struck by bus remembered for her 'electric smile' ahead of funeral

Heartfelt tributes are being paid to an Irish woman in her 80s who tragically lost her life after being struck by a bus in Galway city earlier this week.

Marie Hession McMunn, who was in her 80s, lived in Renmore but was originally from Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. She died following the collision on Monday evening on the Dublin Road, Wellpark in Galway City.

Friends and neighbours have remembered her as a kind, cheerful and generous woman who loved her dogs and touched the lives of many.

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One mourner wrote: "Cannot express how sorry I am that Marie has had such an accident. I will miss her so much and our walks & laughs in Ballyloughane. She was such a cheerful and caring person who helped everyone she could."

Another tribute said: "We were deeply saddened to hear of her passing. A beautiful, kind, caring and generous woman that brightened our days. We spoke very fondly of her and always looked forward to seeing her. She was truly a shining light. I'll really miss our chats Marie. May your gentle soul rest peacefully."

Others recalled her warmth and fun-loving spirit: "Marie was always upbeat, kind and interested in what was happening in my life. I was always the better for meeting Marie. She had an electric smile and such a sense of fun! I enjoyed the time I spent with her very much and I will definitely miss her."

Another neighbour wrote: "Sincere sympathy on the sad passing of Marie. It was great to meet her and have a chat when she was out walking her dogs. Marie was lovely lady and loved her dogs. May her gentle soul rest in peace."

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Her RIP.ie death notice described her as sadly missed by her sister Josephine Trench and Richard, her brother Jimmy and sister-in-law Bridie, her niece Maria, Robert and family, nieces Patricia, Caroline, Keelin and Niamh, nephews Richard, James, Bernard, Conor, Eoin, Ciarán, Darragh and Cian, her step-daughter Deirdre and her daughter Ciara, as well as her grandnieces and grandnephews.

Marie was predeceased by her husband George, her parents Jack and Kitty, her brother Mickey, her nephew Seamus and her sister-in-law Mary.

Marie was reposed at Aras Naofa, Renmore, on Thursday evening, and her Funeral Mass will be held at Carnacon Church today, Friday, at 1pm, followed by burial in Burriscarra Cemetery.

Gardaí confirmed earlier this week that Marie was tragically pronounced dead at the scene of Monday's collision.

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A spokesperson said: "Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision which occurred on the Dublin Road, Wellpark, Galway City, on Monday September 15.

"The collision, involving a bus and a female pedestrian, occurred at approximately 8.45pm. The pedestrian, aged in her 80s, was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other injuries reported."

They added that Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out a full examination of the scene and are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time to come forward.

"Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 8.30pm and 9pm on Monday, September 15, 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on (091) 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."

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