The funeral of Julia McSorley, a 75-year-old from Newtownstewart with strong Donegal connections, took place today after she tragically died in a road crash near Aughnacloy. Julia, along with her nephew and niece, was killed when the minibus they were travelling collided with a lorry on the notorious A5. The mother-of-five was described as joyful, helpful, and selfless, and someone who had a deep faith. Her funeral service was held at St Eugene’s Church in Newtownstewart and was attended by Colonel Stephen Howard, Aide de Camp to President Michael D Higgins. Hundreds of people also watched a live stream of the funeral mass online. Prayers were said for the doctors, nurses, and emergency services personnel involved in treating Julia and the other family members. Julia’s kindness brought a smile to everyone, and she never wanted to be first but, in many ways, was number one. Despite the compassionate journey the family was making back from a funeral, no one knew it would end in tragedy, with three more funerals awaited by the family and the community. Julia McSorley will be laid to rest in the cemetery at St Eugene’s Church.
