Nicole (23), who lived in Fedamore, Co Limerick, was killed by the dogs when she returned home from her 23rd birthday celebrations. A new law, prompted by her death, will make it illegal to import, breed or sell XL bully dogs from October 1.
Speaking publicly for the first time, her sister Jolene will tell Katie Hannon the laws being introduced aren’t strict enough.
“The law they’re bringing out, you have to have a license, you have to have papers… But my sister had all them. Nicole loved them dogs. And the dogs loved Nicole, but they just turned on her,” she said.
Another law, set to come in from February 1, 2025, will make it illegal to own an XL bully dog without a certificate of exemption from a local authority.
Ms Morey will also speak in the interview about the night her sister died and trying to contact her after she heard the news.
News in 90 seconds – Sunday 29th September 2024
“I was sitting in my room in darkness, and I rang Nicole because I didn’t believe it was real. Then I texted her, I said, ‘Are you okay?’ And got no message back. And then a video got sent to me. And they asked me if it was with my sister. And I just remember clicking into a video and seeing her on the floor.
“I was just waiting for the phone call to say she’s gone because I had a feeling in my stomach that she didn’t survive it. But my mom was like, ‘No, it’s only bites and stuff.’ Then my uncle rang, and I just knew from his voice that she was gone.”
Ms Morey said her family do not want Nicole to only be remembered for her death or the circumstances around it.
“My family want Nicole to be remembered as how much of a good person she was. Not the girl that died from the dog attack or the videos that’s going viral. Nicole did so well in life. Nicole would do anything for anyone. She’s just a lovable person.”
Upfront with Katie Hannon airs tonight at 10.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
