Daingean community grieving after death of former guard's daughter

The community of Daingean was yesterday shocked to hear news of the death of 23-year-old Aisling Maguire, who died from injuries incurred when her car was hit by a falling tree on the Ballymahon Road in Mullingar. 

Aisling’s family is well known in the Offaly area as her father, Gerry, served as a garda in Daingean for some 20 years and the family had maintained strong links with the community.

Mr Maguire, who is now retired, was a popular community garda and was very active in the Daingean community.

Local councillor Ger Plunkett said he and his family remain both well-known and well-liked in the area.

Aisling was taken to Mullingar hospital at around 4pm yesterday, and gardai said she later died from her injuries.

From Ballymacallen, between Moyvore and Ballymore in Westmeath, she worked as a care assistant at Newbrook Nursing Home.

She was also involved in the GAA, serving as assistant secretary of the Fr Dalton’s hurling club, a sister club of Ballymore.

Dale Greenwood, chairman of the Ballymore GAA club, paid tribute to Aisling, who he described as “a beautiful young woman who has been taken away from her family and friends far too early.

“She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting her,” said Mr Greenwood, who works as Group Business Manager for the Celtic Media Group, the parent company of the Offaly Independent.