National: Victim of New York stabbing remembered as 'a vivacious and wonderful young woman'

The Longford woman who died after being stabbed at a bar in New York City on Saturday evening is being remembered as 'a wonderful young woman, bright, vivacious, witty and charismatic'.

Residents of Longford town are in a 'state of shock' and still coming to terms with the horrific news that Sarah McNally, 41,  was stabbed to death at the Ceili House Bar, in Maspeth, Queens where she worked. 

Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News at One programme, Longford / Westmeath TD Joe Flaherty described Ms McNally as a "wonderful young woman, bright, vivacious, witty and charismatic" who went to the US "full of hope".

Ms McNally previously worked in Valentine's public house at Main Street, Longford where she was very well liked.

She later joined The Irish Prison Service in Longford for some years before deciding to immigrate to New York.

The 41-year-old enjoyed music and in her younger years she appeared on stage in a number of musical productions with St Mel's Musical Society. 

Deputy Flaherty, a Fianna Fail TD, said Ms McNally’s family is "steeped in the local community" and her death was "tragic and deeply upsetting news".

He continued: "By all accounts, it was a very happy life and everything was going well for her in New York, which makes this news all the more harrowing and upsetting for people that know her.

"I cannot imagine a worse call for a parent to get. It's truly traumatic and I understand her heartbroken mother is flying out to be with Sarah this morning and that's a journey that no parent wants to have to undertake."

Longford-based councillor Gerry Warnock remembered the deceased, who was educated at St Emer's national school and Meán Scoil Mhuire in Longford town, as 'a lovely soul'.

Cllr Warnock remarked: "My thoughts and prayers are with Dorrie, Dessie and Sarah's extended family and many friends."

He added, "This is an absolute tragedy and may God give them the strength to navigate this cruel journey of having their beautiful girl taken from them.

"May her gentle soul rest in peace."

Cllr Martin Monaghan, Cathaoirleach of the Longford Municipal District, told RTÉ that Ms McNally’s death has left the town of Longford “in a state of shock”.

He said: “Sarah had moved to New York about 10 years ago and she would have been an integral part of Longford life before that, having worked in bars in Longford.”

He described her family as “really, really decent Longford people” adding: “It’s very cruel. People struggle to say the right words at this time and there’s little anyone can say to make things better for Sarah’s parents.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time and a tragedy away from home makes things an awful lot worse.”

A man also suffered stab wounds in Saturday's incident.

In a statement, the New York Police Department spokesperson said an investigation remained ongoing.

“On Saturday March 30 2024, at approximately 18.34 hours (10.34pm Irish time), police responded to a 911 call for an assault in progress at 69-56 Grand Avenue within the confines of the 104 Precinct,” they said.

“Upon arrival, police observed a 41-year-old-female with a stab wound to the neck and an unidentified male with a stab wound to the back and neck.”

They said the pair were taken to Elmhurst Hospital where Ms McNally was pronounced dead.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.”