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Funeral for mother and daughters Tribute to a 'wonderful' family
(about 2 hours later)
Hundreds of people have attended a funeral service for a mother and her two young daughters killed in a crash. A father paid tribute to his "wonderful wife and children" at their funeral after they were killed in a crash.
Nurse Ann Copeland, 45, from Johnshaven, and her daughters Ciara, seven, and Niamh, 10, died in the A92 crash last Wednesday.Nurse Ann Copeland, 45, from Johnshaven, and her daughters Ciara, seven, and Niamh, 10, died in the A92 crash last Wednesday.
The requiem mass was held at St Margaret's Roman Catholic Church in Montrose on Friday morning. Barry Copeland said: "No words can convey the despair and sadness that their deaths have brought me."
Police have said an oil spillage on the road was believed to have played a significant factor in the accident. Hundreds attended the requiem mass at St Margaret's Roman Catholic Church in Montrose on Friday morning.
It is thought the children's father Barry, who is a PE teacher at Lathallan School, was told of the deaths at work. Mr Copeland paid tribute to his wife, who he described as his "soul mate".
The children were described as "beautiful girls". The presence of Niamh, Ann and Ciara touched the souls and lit up the lives of so many people Barry Copeland
Standing before the coffins he spoke of the wonderful family life he had and his "beautiful daughters".
Mr Copeland told mourners: "Thank you all for coming today to say farewell to my wonderful wife and children.
"If they are up there watching us Ann would be stunned by anything involving me starting on time and the children would be asking each other 'what is he dressed like that for'?"
'So happy'
After describing his despair and sadness, he added: "However neither can words describe the immense pride I feel in knowing that the presence of Niamh, Ann and Ciara touched the souls and lit up the lives of so many people."
Mr Copeland said he could not bring himself to wear a black tie so was wearing his wedding tie instead.
Barry Copeland thanked people for making his family so happyBarry Copeland thanked people for making his family so happy
He said: "It somehow seems so much more appropriate for I remember my wedding day as being the happiest of my life.
"Niamh and Ciara may only have had short lives but they transformed me. I never realised it was possible to get such joy from looking after somebody else."
A family picture appeared on the order of service which was given to mourners.A family picture appeared on the order of service which was given to mourners.
Also, Mr Copeland signed a typed letter which read: "Thank you to you all for making my beautiful wife and daughters' lives so happy."Also, Mr Copeland signed a typed letter which read: "Thank you to you all for making my beautiful wife and daughters' lives so happy."
The accident happened on a double bend, described locally as an accident blackspot. The crash happened on a double bend, described locally as an accident blackspot.
Police said an oil spillage on the road was believed to have played a significant factor in the accident.
Grampian Police said they believed the source of the spillage had been traced, which BBC Scotland understands was an industrial crane. A report will go to the procurator fiscal.Grampian Police said they believed the source of the spillage had been traced, which BBC Scotland understands was an industrial crane. A report will go to the procurator fiscal.