THE heartbroken family of a keen athlete who died after being hit by an SUV while out running has paid tribute to an “adored wife and cherished mother”.
Anila Muca, 48, was one of three runners struck by an SUV after the driver mounted a kerb on the Canal Road in Tralee, Co Kerry after suffering a suspected heart attack on Sunday morning.
All three were treated at the scene before being removed to the nearby University Hospital Kerry where Anila died and her two running companions Claire and Clara are recovering from injuries.
The community group Tralee Born to Run said they had been “left devastated” that their “beautiful, kind friend” had been killed and asked for prayers for Claire and Clara.
They added: “Our thoughts are with her husband and her two beautiful boys and all of Anila’s family at this time.”
In a notice online, Anila’s family paid a heartbreaking tribute to the mum of two boys and confirmed that she will be laid to rest in her native Albania at a later date.
They said: “Anila Mucaj of Páirc na Dún, Mounthawk, Tralee, Co. Kerry and Albania, died tragically on 2nd March 2025, adored wife of Fatmir Jorgji and cherished mother of Orgito and Ben.
“Sadly missed by her loving family, her sister Roza, niece Bianka, friends in ‘Born to Run’, her colleagues, friends and relatives in Ireland and Albania.”
Anila will be reposing at the Gleasure Funeral Home in Tralee on Wednesday.
A fellow runner in Tralee told how the community is “deeply saddened and utterly shocked” by the tragedy.
She said: “A fantastic, dedicated runner with a beautiful smile and a beautiful soul.
“My heart goes out to her family at this awfully sad time and also to her friends and clubmates in The Born to Run Club.
“Anila’s memory will live on in every stride we take on that road we run on so regularly.”
Anila was an experienced runner involved in the park run on Saturday morning.
Tralee Parkrun told how they are “heartbroken by the news”.
They said: “Anila was a loyal Tralee parkrunner who ran 116 of her 117 parkruns with us. We will miss her at our parkrun every Saturday morning.
“Our condolences go to her family and friends and especially her young son Ben who is a regular volunteer and runner with us and to her friends in Born to Run who will feel the loss so deeply.
“Our thoughts are also with her running friends Claire and Clara and we pray for a full recovery for them.”
‘HUGE SHOCK’ FOR TOWN
Mayor of Tralee Mikey Sheehy told a county council meeting in Tralee that Anila’s death on a beautiful Sunday morning while out running was “a huge shock” for the town.
He described the Canal Road area as “a running hub” and said his thoughts and that of the council members and Tralee community were with Anila’s family and friends.
He also thanked the emergency services who attended the scene.
A major emergency operation swung into operation after the driver of the SUV mounted a kerb after suffering a medical condition.
The man in his late 80s is suspected to have suffered a heart attack and was removed to hospital alongside the two injured runners.
The conditions of all three of the injured are not thought to be life-threatening.
Anyone who may have any information on the incident has been asked to come forward and assist gardai in their investigations.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this collision.
“They are particularly appealing to those with camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, from the area at the time to come forward.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Tralee Garda Station at 066 7102300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
