Westlife have paid an emotional tribute to the tragic mum-of-two who died following one of their gigs at the 3Arena.
Danielle O’Keane was heading into Dublin City centre from the venue last week when the rickshaw she was travelling in hit a curb.
The Newry native was struck by a car after she fell out of the rickshaw, and passed away from her injuries on Thursday.
On Saturday, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan performed at the Utilita Arena, and dedicated Flying Without Wings and You Raise Me Up to Mrs O’Keane.
Speaking before Flying Without Wings, Nicky said there were ‘no words’ and extended their thoughts to Mrs O’Keane’s ‘whole entire family.’
Before You Raise Me Up, Shane said: ‘This song is sung tonight to everybody who has lost somebody they love and for Danielle.
‘We are going to celebrate them all up here, right now.’
Mrs O’Keane’s death notice reads that she died ‘as the result of an accident.’
‘Much loved wife of Dave and dear mother of Caolán and Cillian,’ it said. ‘Beloved daughter of Michael and Pauline, and dear sister of Barry and her twin Sean.
‘Deeply regretted by her sorrowing husband, children, parents, brothers, sisters in law, brothers in law, mother in law Dolores, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, family circle and friends.’
Funeral details of the late Mrs O’Keane will be released later.
Earlier in the week, Mrs O’Keane’s sister-in-law Aisling called for stricter laws surrounding rickshaws and e-scooters.
Pic: Collins Photos
Speaking on Newstalk, Aisling said the night out was ‘supposed to be joyous.’
She said: ‘They had a great time at the gig, and afterwards, you know what it’s like getting out of the 3Arena, it’s a bit chaotic.
‘The rickshaw [drivers] can be quite excited to get you on board, so the three girls decided to get on board one to get into the city centre and meet Danielle’s husband, as well as the other girls’ partners and husbands.’
Danielle added: ‘It’s like Final Destination. As soon as the wheel clipped the divider, as soon as the rickshaw tipped over on its side, the car came.’
She said there was ‘not enough policing’ surrounding rickshaws, which she noted was ‘basically a vehicle.’
‘They go very, very quickly,’ she stated. ‘Drivers typically don’t enforce seatbelt use as they would in a car; on a bike, you’d wear a helmet, you’re not asked to wear one as a rickshaw passenger.’
