TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to a Wexford woman who died in the Dominican Republic.

Claire Cullen of Riverchapel, Gorey, Co Wexford, is understood to have been in the Dominican Republic attending a wedding when she was involved in a fatal accident involving a car.

She was described as being “the heartbeat of two families”.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affair and Trade said that they will not comment on individual cases, but confirmed they are providing assistance.

“The Department of Foreign Affair and Trade is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance. The Department does not comment on the details of individual cases,” they stated.

Ms Cullen had been described locally as being an accomplished hairdresser with her own home salon called Eden Hair Design. Claire will be sadly missed by her husband Ronan, her three children and her extended family and friends.

Paying tribute to his wife on Facebook, Ronan explained that he would be stepping back from his successful flooring business to spend time with his family during this challenging time.

“My beautiful wife Claire was tragically killed in an accident. We’re all devastated and trying to come to terms with it. She was my everything and I adored everything about her,” he said.

He added that they were very grateful for all the kind words and messages they have received in recent days.

Her brother Paul O’Brien also described how the whole community was affected by her loss.

“She was the heartbeat of two families. She protected me from so much hard when I was young, she was just everything to so many people. She wasn’t just loved, she was needed.

“The whole community will be lost without her. Claire, I’ll miss you forever, we all will,” he wrote.

In response to Ronan’s post about Claire’s death, one mourner wrote: “She was so beautiful and always went above and beyond for everyone. She will be forever marked on so many hearts.”