Hundreds turn out to farewell talented netballer Ivy-Rose Hughes at a moving funeral service

Family, friends and SA’s netball community have come together to farewell rising star Ivy-Rose Hughes, tragically killed at the age of just 19.

Mourners, including Matrix netball players and coaches, from a guard of honour after the funeral service of Ivy-Rose "Ivy" Hughes. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Hundreds of family, friends, teammates, school mates, and others from SA’s local sporting community have come together to say goodbye to Ivy-Rose Hughes, who died in a McLaren Vale crash last month.

Ms Hughes was on her way home from a concert at a winery when a Mazda SUV she was a passenger in collided with a Mitsubishi ute at the intersection of Malpas and Main roads on Wednesday, February 24.

Paramedics and police rushed to the scene but were unable to save the talented Matrics netballer. She was 19.

Ms Hughes was part of Matrics’ Premier League squad and represented the state playing for the South Australian Institute of Sport (SASI), in the 17 and Under National Championships from 2019 to 2020.

Mourners at the funeral service of Ivy-Rose Hughes. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Such was the turnout to her funeral was that many mourners had to sit outside the chapel and watch on a large screen.

Matrics teammate and best friend Lucy Austin paid tribute to Ms Hughes, remembering her as a happy, selfless, inspiring and caring young woman.

She said she found it difficult writing a eulogy for her best friend and instead wrote a speech as if it was Ms Hughes’ 21st birthday.

Mourners laughed during Ms Austin’s speech as she recounted many memories they shared.

She said she knew Ms Hughes was going to be a true friend from the moment she met her.

“You taught me to find the humour in everything,” Ms Austin said.

“Even if you have to look very deeply to find it, there’s always something to smile about.

“The second quality that I adore most about you, Ives, is that you always uplift everyone around you and put others’ needs before your own.

“You taught me the true meaning of dedication and hard work and you will continue to inspire me. You will always continue to be part of my game day.”

Ms Hughes mother Paula had written a letter to her daughter, which was read at the service.

In it she said that she was “always a proud mum” and Ivy’s “smile and spirit lit up a room”.

Mourners outside the chapel at the funeral service of ‘Ivy’ Hughes. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

The order of service booklet at the funeral of Ivy-Rose Hughes.

In the order of service booklet at the funeral of Ivy-Rose Hughes.

Katie Iles, who was Ms Hughes’ pastor at Journey Uniting Church, said the aspiring teacher loved children and was “adored” by everyone who knew her.

“She was passionate about being the change,” she told mourners.

“Ivy was completely comfortable in her own skin. She knew who she was, (and) who she aspired to.

“She was cheeky, curious, energetic, honest and a simply wonderful friend and daughter.”

The former Ridgehaven Primary School and Banksia Park International High student was remembered by ex-teachers as a star athlete who excelled at every sport she took part in, including netball, athletics, rugby, basketball and soccer.

Paul Jones, who taught Ms Hughes at Banksia Park High, described her as a “loved, hard-working and dedicated student who always strived to do her best”.

Matrics reserves coach Amanda Shattock said she would always remember Ms Hughes as “smiley Ivy” who always had a team-first attitude.

“You’re not just a star in a Matrics dress, but a star in life,” Ms Shattock said.

Teammates formed a guard of honour around Ms Hughes’ coffin inside the chapel, each holding a netball uniform from every team she represented, including Tango and Matrics and the state team.

The emotional service ended with loved ones lining up outside to give Ms Hughes one final round of applause.

The family was given approval for 1500 mourners to attend the funeral.

Matrics Netball Club released a statement on its Facebook page after the accident.

“An incredible netballer and even more incredible young woman, the entire netball community has been saddened by this news,” the post said.

“She was a bright spark and was much loved throughout our club”.

In lieu of flowers at today’s service, a donation to Road Trauma Support Team SA in Ivy’s memory has been requested.