‘My beautiful grandmother taken from this world far too soon'

Family and friends pay tribute as gardai launch probe into killing

- EMMA McMENAMY and GAVIN O’CALLAGHAN

THE heartbroken son of a pensioner found dead in a burning car described her as the “best mother ever”.

Tributes were yesterday paid to grandmother Mary “Moll” O’Keeffe, 72, as gardai tried to retrace her last known steps.

The body of Mrs O’Keeffe, a widow with three grown-up sons, was discovered in a blazing vehicle in Dromdeer Woods, near Doneraile, North Cork, on Friday afternoon. Her devastated son Donal tribute to his mother on social media. He simply said: “The best mother ever.”

Mary’s granddaughter Levi posted a picture of her grandmother, believed to be holding her on her lap when she was a baby.

She added: “My beautiful grandmother. Taken from this world far too soon.

Such a gorgeous soul. May she rest in peace NEIGHBOUR MESSAGE ON MARY’S DEATH POSTMORTEM

“God rest your soul Moll.”

Tributes continued to pour in for Mary who lived alone in the small Cork village of Dromahane just outside Mallow, about 20km away from the scene. One local said: “Absolutely heartbreaking for Mary and all her family on her sudden passing, a great neighbour and always a chat when you would meet. May she RIP.”

Another added: “She was a gorgeous soul. It is simply heartbreaking. Rest in peace Moll.”

Cork University Hospital