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Gardaí arrest woman (40s) as part of investigation into death of SNA Sheila Dunne following crash in Co Cork

Sheila Dunne was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital two days after the crash

Neil Fetherstonhaugh

A woman arrested by gardaí investigating the death of a special needs assistant who had been badly injured in a car crash in Co Cork last month has been released without charge.

A garda spokesperson confirmed a file will now be prepared for the DPP in relation to the case.

Sheila Dunne, who was in her 50s, was seriously injured when the car she was travelling in became involved in a single vehicle collision near Sarsfield Court in Glanmire shortly after 7.45pm on Sunday, February 11.

She had been taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries where she was pronounced dead on Tuesday, February 13.

The second occupant of the vehicle, a woman aged in her 40s, also received treatment for non-life threatening injuries following the collision.

Gardaí have arrested a woman, aged in her 40s, as part of their investigations.

She is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Cork garda station.

Ms Dunne worked as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) at the nearby Watergrasshill National School.

She was predeceased by her husband Ted and is survived by her children Lilley and TJ.

Paying tribute one of her colleagues at Watergrasshill NS wrote: ‘’She was the kindest, caring and most selfless person I have ever met. She would always light up any room.

“I was lucky enough to call her a friend and colleague. She will be dearly missed and leave a void in all our hearts in Watergrasshill NS. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time’’.

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Local TD for Cork North Central Paudie O’Sullivan also paid tribute. He wrote: ‘’My sincere condolences to the Dunne and O'Brien families at this very sad time.”

One local added: ‘’Rest in Peace Sheila, you were a beautiful person inside and out. I will miss our chats. My heart is broken for your beautiful family, Lilley and TJ, and your mum Esther. You are now back in Ted’s arms. RIP my love x’’ .

Gardaí had earlier appealed to any witnesses to the collision to come forward. Additionally, they requested that any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time of the collision to make this footage available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Glanmire garda station at (021) 455 6370, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.