Thousands expected to attend memorial service for Vicky Phelan in Kilkenny today

Thousands of people are expected to attend a memorial service for the late Vicky Phelan in her South Kilkenny this Sunday afternoon.

The event, at the Church of the Assumption in Mooncoin village, was arranged by her family after a private funeral service took place earlier this month.

Friends, family and members of the public are all being invited to attend the memorial in accordance with Vicky's wishes.

Traffic plan announced for life of Vicky Phelan celebration event in Kilkenny

Gardai say large crowds from Kilkenny, Limerick and across the country are expected to attend the memorial service and that a special traffic operation will be in place to facilitate those attending. 

The Church, which has a maximum capacity of 300, is located on the main N24 at the Carrick-on-Suir side of the village and can be easily accessed by foot or road.

Once the church is full, those attending will be diverted to the nearby GAA complex where big screens will be live-screening the event.

"Traffic approaching from the Limerick/Clonmel direction will be diverted at the Tower Road junction from the Piltown Bypass towards parking area at Piltown GAA Grounds. A park and ride facility will be provided at this location," said a garda spokesperson.

Five Kilkenny eateries nominated for awards

While there will be no restrictions to traffic travelling through Mooncoin village, motorists are being advised there will be a strict no parking policy on the Main Road and throughout the village itself.  Cars parked illegally will be towed away.

The memorial service, which begins at 1pm this Sunday, is expected to feature a number of musical performances from some of Vicky's favourite acts.