Kate Wibbe lost her life in a three-car collision on the N25 outside Barntown, Co Wexford on Tuesday morning
Kate Wibbe (23) had left her family home just off Our Lady's Island early on Tuesday morning to go to work in Cork. Kate, a graduate of University College Cork, had started working at PepsiCo in Cork a month ago, where she worked as a Regulatory Affairs Analyst.
The young woman had been driving along the N25, past Larkin's Cross and the iconic Pikemen statue, when tragedy struck. At around 6.30am, her car was involved in a three-vehicle collision, a van and a lorry.
While two other people, including the driver of the van who was in his 40s, were taken to hospital, Kate was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Local firefighters worked hard to free her from the car and her remains were taken to University Hospital Waterford for a post mortem.
Normally a picturesque and peaceful place, a darkness descended over Our Lady's Island as the news was told to Mrs Wibbe's heartbroken family. She is survived by her devastated parents Fiona and Christian and her brother Daniel.
“They are just in total shock,” local parish priest Jim Cogley said when contacted.
“I don't know the family personally, but it's such a terrible blow for them. I called the house to offer my condolences and any help I could get.”
As the pilgrimage season on Our Lady's Island begins on Thursday, prayers will undoubtedly be said for the Wibbe family after this tragic loss.
“You hear about these kinds of tragedies every day of the week,” Father Cogley said. “But I think it really hits home when it happens in your own community.”
Kate only graduated from UCC last year with a law degree and played an active role in the college community. She was a member of the Law Society and played for the UCC women's football team and Bishopstown women's football team in Cork.
The tragic loss of an intelligent, caring and capable young woman was painfully felt across Wexford yesterday as the region and the country were hit by yet another road death.
Himself a resident of the close-knit parish of Our Lady's Island, councillor Ger Carthy said it was “an unspeakable tragedy”.
“The Wibbe family lives here on Lady's Island,” he said. “The news is just filtering through today and the community is just in shock.
“It is so painful to see someone so young lose their life in circumstances like this. As a community we would like to extend our deepest condolences to Kate's devastated family and if we can do anything for her in the days and months ahead, the community here at Lady's Island will be there for her.”
Tributes poured in as people tried to come to terms with the terrible shock.
They described Kate as an “extremely intelligent” and “witty” young woman who was “full of life” and many described her as a talented teammate in the sporting world.
Kate Wibbe in action for the UCC women's football team.
UCC Womens Soccer described Kate as “a fantastic player in our development team and a valued committee member from 2020-2023”.
“We offer our deepest condolences to Kate’s family, friends and teammates at this sad time,” it continued. “May she rest in peace.”
A PepsiCo colleague noted that “Kate was a remarkable person and a truly wonderful friend and colleague. Her presence was like a ray of sunshine, always spreading joy and warmth to those around her.”
“Kate had an incredible ability to make everyone feel supported and valued,” they continued. “Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know her and call her a friend.”
A memorial service for Kate will be held at her home in Carne on Saturday afternoon, followed by burial at Our Lady's Island Cemetery.