Hundreds attend stabbing victim's removal

Hundreds of neighbours, work colleagues and friends of Frances Ralph, who was stabbed to death while waiting for a taxi in Naas last week, gathered for her removal in Co Kildare last night.

Members of the Under-13 football squad at Sallins GAA club formed a guard of honour as the remains of the 46-year-old mother of three arrived at the church. Ms Ralph's youngest son, Emmett, was a member of the team.

Her husband, Mick, and three sons, Daire, Niall and Emmett, aged between 12 and 24, were among the hundreds of mourners at the removal. Ms Ralph's mother, brothers, sisters and extended family were also in attendance.

Rev Gregg Ryan, a family friend and local curate, told mourners that the death of Ms Ralph was a tragedy for the entire community of Sallins and Naas.

He said he wished to extend the sincere sympathy of the Church of Ireland, both locally and nationally, at the "tragic loss of a daughter, mother, sister and friend".

The parish priest of Sallins, Fr Tom McDonal, told mourners that the ties of friendship and affection which Frances had built up in life would not unravel in death. He said the entire community was available to support and encourage the Ralph family in their difficult days ahead.

As well as friends and neighbours, colleagues from Ms Ralph's workplace, the AIB Direct Banking Centre on the Blessington Road, attended the removal. The Garda, which is continuing to investigate her death, was represented by Chief Supt Michael Byrne and Supt Thomas Neville.

The funeral of Ms Ralph will take place today following 11am Mass at the Church of Our Lady and St David in Naas. She is due to be buried at Bodenstown cemetery.

Ms Ralph was stabbed to death last week while waiting for a taxi on the main street in Naas. She had been celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary with her husband. A 49-year-old man has been charged in connection with the murder.