A mother of two is in intensive care after suffering what doctors have described as a “life-ending brain injury” when she was struck by a vehicle in Dublin while making her way to meet her husband after a Westlife concert.

Danielle O’Keane, 37, from Newry, County Down, was left critically injured following the collision on North Wall Quay at around 11pm on Saturday, September 26. She was taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, where she remains on a ventilator as her family awaits further medical tests.

The devastating news has left her loved ones facing an agonising wait, with doctors explaining that the injuries may be irreversible and that there is no surgical intervention available to help her.

Mum-of-two Danielle O’Keane. (Image: gofundme)

Family faces heartbreaking wait after devastating crash

Danielle had travelled to Dublin with friends to attend Westlife’s reunion show at the 3Arena. After the concert, the group was making its way towards the city centre to meet Danielle’s husband, David, who had been spending time with friends.

Her brother-in-law, Derek, described the situation as tragic when speaking to the Irish Mirror.

He explained that the family had been informed of the severity of Danielle’s injuries by doctors, who told them she was facing a life-ending brain injury.

According to Derek, the medical team was preparing to carry out a brainstem test to confirm the findings suggested by MRI and CT scans.

He explained that the test would help doctors establish whether the suspected devastating brain injury had resulted in the loss of brainstem function. The family was waiting for the assessment and confirmation of the medical findings.

Derek said there was no operation or other intervention doctors could offer to reverse the damage, leaving the family facing an emotionally devastating period of uncertainty.

He described the prospect of the ventilator and other life-sustaining support being withdrawn as heartbreaking.

Danielle and her family. (Image: gofundme)

Gardaí investigate collision on North Wall Quay

Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, confirmed that they were investigating a serious road traffic collision on North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, at approximately 11pm on Saturday, September 26.

In an initial statement, a Garda spokesperson said a woman in her 30s had been struck by a vehicle and taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

No other injuries were reported at the scene.

A forensic examination of the location was carried out as part of the investigation, and the road has since reopened.

Investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Fundraiser launched to support Danielle’s family

As Danielle’s loved ones remain by her side, a fundraising campaign has been launched to help the family with bills and other expenses during the difficult period ahead.

The appeal has attracted support from people near and far. At the time of reporting, it had raised €26,684 towards its €40,100 target.

The funds are intended to provide practical assistance to the family as they navigate the medical situation and its financial consequences.

Those wishing to contribute can donate through the GoFundMe campaign for Danielle .

Family praises nurses and Gardaí for their support

Despite the distressing circumstances, Derek expressed gratitude to the nurses and Gardaí who have supported Danielle and her family.

He praised their efforts, saying they had gone “above and beyond” during an incredibly difficult time.

The family continues to await the medical assessments that will clarify Danielle’s condition, while investigators appeal for further information about the crash.

Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage

Gardaí are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or may have relevant footage to come forward.

Road users who were travelling near North Wall Quay between 10.30pm and 11.15pm on Saturday, September 26, are being asked to check their dashcam recordings and provide any potentially useful material to investigators.

Anyone with information can contact Store Street Garda Station on 01 666 8000, call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or approach any Garda station.

As the investigation continues, Danielle’s family remains focused on the situation in hospital, facing an extraordinarily painful wait while hoping for clarity about what happens next.