A place once filled with happy family days has become a place of remembrance for Natalie and Ella McLaughlin, one year on from the tragic collision that claimed their lives.
Family, friends and members of the community gathered at Pollan Beach in Ballyliffin this evening for the unveiling of a memorial bench in honour of the much-loved mother and daughter.
Natalie, aged 27, and her six-year-old daughter Ella died following a collision at Carrowmore, Glentogher, near Carndonagh, on 2nd July 2025.
A pretty pink bench, looking out towards Glashedy, now stands close to the playground and the swings where Natalie, Ella and Natalie’s youngest, little Rhea-Rose, shared precious days together.
People gathered wearing pink T-shirts bearing a photo of Natalie and Ella, as the McLaughlin family marked the first anniversary with music, a blessing, a minute’s silence and a balloon release.
Thursday’s gathering at Pollan Beach for the unveiling of a memorial bench in memory of Natalie and Ella McLaughlin.
Natalie’s sister Lara stood beside her mother Joanne as she read moving words of happier times.
“Pollan Beach has so many precious memories for us, it’s where we shared so many happy times together,” Lara said.
She spoke of memories on the swings, with Ella “screaming to be pushed higher every time.”
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“Ella was always the loudest, most vibrant child in the room,” Lara said.
“She was incredibly confident, full of crazy personality, always keeping Natalie and little Rhea on their toes.”
Natalie was a popular nurse in a local practice in Carndonagh, and Lara said Natalie’s caring ways and devotion to her daughters was at the heart of who she was.
“Natalie adored her girls,” she said.
“Her genuine kindness and care for others shone in everything she did. Her whole world revolved around Ella, Rhea and her family.”
The memorial bench features a photograph of Natalie pushing Ella on the swing, along with a plaque in their memory.
“This bench is more than just somewhere to sit, it’s a place to remember our two beautiful girls who are loved so deeply and missed so much,” Lara said.
“We hope that everyone who sits here will take a moment to think of them and enjoy the beauty of this place just like Natalie and Ella did.
“Although they are no longer here with us, their love will always remain in our hearts and their memory will live on here at Pollan Beach.”
The gathering was held around the same time as last July’s collision, allowing the McLaughlin family to be surrounded by love and support at a difficult hour.
Rhea-Rose, who survived the crash, was among the family members present for the unveiling. Now aged two and a half, Rhea-Rose had suffered two broken femurs but has since made a strong recovery.
Ahead of this evening’s unveiling, Joanne spoke of how Natalie and Ella have left “a massive, massive hole” in the lives of the whole family.
“We are still in shock that they are not here. They were two perfect people. They were a beautiful mother and daughter,” said Joanne.