A tragic accident claimed the lives of a mother and daughter, both originally from the UK but residing in Ireland. Nell Saffron Raven, a renowned writer, and her daughter Irena, affectionately known as Ira, lost their lives in a fatal two-car collision on July 24. Nell, aged 53, a former journalist, had recently attained Irish citizenship and lived with her family, including 10-year-old Ira, in Gortnacleigh, Milltown in Belturbet, Co Cavan.
The incident took place on the R162 at Corclare, Sherlock, where Nell passed away shortly after the crash, while Ira succumbed to her injuries on July 28 at Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street Hospital. An emotional funeral service honored the lives of Nell and Ira, highlighting Nell’s writing prowess, motherly dedication, and victorious battle against cancer. Ira was remembered as a delightful and creative young girl who adored music, Irish dancing, and their life in Co Cavan.
The funeral procession saw a single wicker coffin bearing both Nell and Ira being brought into St Patrick’s Church, Milltown, accompanied by the melody of ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen, a song cherished by Nell and her husband Alex. Mourners gathered to pay their respects and celebrate the memories of the mother-daughter duo.
During the funeral service, it was revealed that Ira, posthumously, had saved the lives of four children through organ donation. Among the mourners were Nell’s grief-stricken husband Alexandru, daughters Eveline Margalla Kemp and Violet Elizabeth Kemp, parents Erik Raven and Christina Smith, and Nell’s sisters Daisy Raven and Poppy Sharrock.
Alexandru, struggling to contain his emotions, shared heartfelt memories of their life together, from their initial meeting in Oxford to their relocation to Ireland in pursuit of a writer-friendly environment. The family found solace in a quaint cottage in Cavan, where they built a happy life together.
The service concluded with Alexandru reciting Dylan Thomas’s poignant poem, “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night,” a piece cherished by Nell. Meaningful symbols and cherished items belonging to Nell and Ira adorned the altar, representing their passions and memories.
Friends and loved ones shared touching anecdotes about Ira, recalling her joyful spirit and love for life. The funeral ended with Ira’s favorite song, ‘Hey Brother’ by Avicii, playing as their coffin was carried from the church to its final resting place at Drumlane cemetery.
