3 September 1997
By Tom Shiel
The Western Health Board has expressed sympathy with the Spencer family on the tragic death of Diana in a car acident.
At Monday's Board meeting, the vote of sympathy was proposed by Councillor Padraig Cosgrove (Mayo) who highlighted Diana's generous gesture last year in making a "significant contribution" to the Mayo Cat Scan Appeal. Mr Cosgrove highlighted the great work which Diana had done over the years in highlighting health issues across the world.
Meanwhile, residents in Castlebar, were visibly shocked following the terrible tragedy. Locals traced the Princess's roots to the town after her engagement in 1981 to Prince Charles. They date back to the early 1700's, and a park and a street in Castlebar are named after her family, the Spencers.
Last year the Princess made a substantial donation to a fund to provide a Cat Scan machine at the Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar.
Local councillor Johnny Mee said her death came as a bombshell. Everyone in the area admired her tremendous charitable work and the great ambassador she was for the underprivileged. He added: "We had hoped, at an opportune time, to invite her to come to Castlebar and visit the locations where her ancestors lived. However, her sudden passing, means this will not now be possible."
Meanwhile a book of condolences has been opened at the offices of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce.
