Ireland crash: Four younger individuals killed in Co Tipperary are named by police

Four younger individuals who died in a street crash in Co Tipperary whereas on the way in which to examination celebrations have been named by Irish police.

Driver Luke McSweeney, 24, and three passengers, together with his 18-year-old sister Grace McSweeney, and youngsters Zoey Coffey and Nicole Murphy, additionally each 18, had been killed after the car they were in struck a wall on Friday.

The crash occurred near the doorway of Hillview Sports Club in Mountain Road within the city of Clonmel at round 7.30pm.

The victims are thought to have been on their strategy to mark receiving the outcomes of their Leaving Certificate exams.

Drivers made the signal of the cross as they journey previous the crash scene, Ireland correspondent Stephen Murphy mentioned.

He described the “mangled car lying on its roof” surrounded by “Garda vans and investigators”.

“The violence of the impact that turned a night of celebration to the deepest despair is evident,” he added.

A vigil is being held for the victims in Clonmel at 6.30pm on Sunday, with a e-book of condolences to be opened on the native council workplaces from 11am on Monday.

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Michael O’Loughlin, principal of Presentation Secondary School in Clonmel, described his “beautiful” college students Zoey Coffey and Grace McSweeney, who had been “loved by everybody who met them”.

“Grace was a gentle and kind person. She was thoughtful, considerate, and hard working. Grace was a gifted gymnast and a dancer and a very good student who had a positive impact on everybody she encountered,” he mentioned.

“Zoey’s personality was warm and vibrant. She was funny, kind and really determined. Zoey was a diligent worker and was very popular with her peers and teachers, and was central to all aspects of school life in the Pres.”

Anne McGrath, principal of Loreto Secondary School, mentioned that her scholar Nicole McSweeney had acquired “excellent” Leaving Certificate outcomes on Friday.

“Nicole was a beautiful student, highly regarded by staff and students alike. During her time in Loreto, she developed into a young woman who was kind, gentle and witty, and she was a trusted and loyal friend,” she mentioned.

“Yesterday’s celebrations are now replaced by unbearable grief and a sense of loss for the whole local community. No words can express our sorrow, pain and grief.”

A essential incident plan is being labored on by the three faculties affected.

Local priest Father Toomey, who frolicked with the newly bereaved households in a single day, mentioned: “Sometimes no words seem adequate when a tragedy like what occurred in Clonmel tonight happens. No words can give comfort at this time.”

Fr Toomey additionally urged individuals to be respectful amid anger over individuals sharing pictures of the crash web site on social media.

A drone was additionally flown over the scene, with many indignant at media retailers who selected to broadcast the footage, Murphy mentioned.

Superintendent Kieran Ruane, from Clonmel Garda Station, expressed his “condolences and sympathies” in an announcement made on Saturday.

“Our local communities, in particular Clonmel, Kilsheelan and Ballypatrick are shocked and deeply saddened by these events,” he mentioned.

“I want to assure them that An Garda Síochána is here over the coming days, weeks and months to support our communities as we all come to terms with this tragedy.

“I have been in contact with the principals of the local secondary schools that the girls attended and supports are being put in place for the friends of all four deceased today and over the next few days.”

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar described their deaths in an announcement as “truly devastating and heartbreaking”.

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the tragic incident in Clonmel last night,” he mentioned.

“Leaving Cert results night should mark the beginning of a world of opportunities for young people. It’s a milestone on the road from childhood to adulthood. For young lives, so full of possibility, to be cut short in this way is truly devastating and heartbreaking. The whole nation mourns them.

“My honest condolences to the households and pals of those that have died and the broader group in Clonmel and Tipperary. The ideas of the entire nation are with them, their faculty and their group.

“I am assured that the school authorities and (the health service) will work together to put in place the necessary supports for their classmates and community. We must come together in times such as this.”

Mr Varadkar then mentioned in Irish: “May their souls be at God’s right hand.”

Higher schooling minister Simon Harris TD mentioned there was “grief, shock and sadness” after the “devastating” and “heartbreaking” incident.

On X, previously often called Twitter, he wrote: “Leaving Cert results day represents achievement, celebration and excitement.

“Tonight that has been changed by grief, shock and disappointment… There are not any phrases. Heartbreaking.”