A retired officer of the British navy lost her life in a swimming incident in Co Wexford.
The tragedy occurred on Tuesday at around 8pm when the woman, who was out walking with a friend, suddenly collapsed at the water’s edge.
Emergency services treated the woman at the scene, but she was pronounced dead a short time later. The woman's body was subsequently taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) where a post-mortem examination was carried out and a file prepared for the coroner.
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She has been named locally as Maria Falls, 63, from Leany, Ardattin, Co Carlow. Maria was a former officer of the British Navy. She is predeceased by her husband George, mother Eileen and brother Sean.
Locals described Maria as a kind and generous woman who loved animals.
One neighbour wrote ‘’Our deepest condolences to Maria's family. As a friend of her late husband, George Falls, we have fond memories of everyone meeting at car shows throughout the years. Thinking of you all at this sad time’’.
In a statement Gardai said ‘’Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at Ballymoney strand, Co Wexford shortly after 8 p.m. A woman in her 60s was taken from the water and treated at the scene by emergency services personnel but was pronounced dead a short time later.
"The deceased was removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford where a post-mortem examination will be carried out. A file will be prepared for the coroner."
Ms Falls remains will repose in Byrne's Funeral Home Crablane on Friday from 2pm-8pm. Removal on Saturday morning at 11.30am, to Mount Jerome Crematorium Dublin, for cremation service at 1.30pm.
