A mother and daughter, both originally from the UK but living in Ireland, tragically passed away together and were laid to rest in a joint coffin following a fatal car accident. Nell Saffron Raven, a renowned writer, and her daughter Irena, affectionately known as Ira, lost their lives in a collision on July 24. Nell, aged 53 and a former journalist, resided with her family, including 10-year-old Ira, in Gortnacleigh, Milltown in Belturbet, Co Cavan.
Nell, who had recently obtained Irish citizenship, was honored in a moving funeral that commemorated her achievements as a writer, her role as a mother, and her resilience in overcoming cancer. Ira was fondly remembered as a cheerful and artistic child who adored music, Irish dancing, and their life in Co Cavan.
The tragic incident occurred on the R162 at Corclare, Sherlock, where Nell passed away soon after the crash, with Ira succumbing to her injuries on July 28 at Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street Hospital.
Their funeral service at St Patrick’s Church, Milltown saw a single wicker coffin carrying both Nell and Ira, accompanied by the song ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen, a favorite of Nell and her husband Alex. Mourners gathered to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of the mother and daughter, with Nell’s husband Alexandru, daughters Eveline Margalla Kemp and Violet Elizabeth Kemp, parents Erik Raven and Christina Smith, and sisters Daisy Raven and Poppy Sharrock among the chief mourners.
In a touching tribute during the funeral Mass, Alexandru spoke emotionally about their life together, from their meeting in Oxford to the eventual move to Ireland. He shared memories of their family expanding and finding happiness in Cavan, reflecting on their journey from the UK to their beloved home in Ireland.
Remembering Nell’s literary prowess and Ira’s joyful spirit, Alexandru expressed his grief and pondered the meaning of their tragic loss. The service concluded with a recitation of Dylan Thomas’s poignant poem, ‘Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night’, a cherished piece for Nell.
Symbols and mementos representing Nell and Ira, such as a George Orwell book, Ira’s teddy bear ‘Ratty’, a vase of dried flowers, and Ira’s dancing shoes from The Late Late Toy Show, adorned the altar. Friends and family shared heartfelt memories of Ira, including Liam Connolly, who fondly recalled their adventures and friendship.
As ‘Hey Brother’ by Avicii played, the coffin bearing Nell and Ira was solemnly carried out of the church, followed by their interment at Drumlane cemetery.