'No words can give comfort': Four young people who died in Clonmel crash named
Friday Mcsweeney, 24, 18, Coffey, 18, Pictures: And Info Nicole Clonmel Mcsweeney, A Zoe 18, In Grace In On Who Died Crash Murphy, Luke Garda
The four young people who died in a road collision in Clonmel last night have been named locally as Luke McSweeney (24), his sister Grace McSweeney (18), Nicole Murphy (18) and Zoey Coffey (18).
The group of teenagers was travelling to a Leaving Cert celebration event at the time of the crash.
Grace, Nicole and Zoey were Leaving Cert students attending two different schools in the town.
Luke McSweeney is believed to have been driving the car when it crashed into a wall on Mountain Road amid heavy rain.
Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene of the accident at about 7.30pm.
Families of the deceased young people are understood to have been at the crash site when the last rites were administered. Their bodies were later removed to South Tipperary Hospital Clonmel where they will undergo post-mortem examinations.
The location of the accident is well-known locally for its steep gradient.
It’s understood the car in which the group was travelling hit a wall outside the sports club before overturning.
"Sometimes no words seem adequate when a tragedy like what occurred in Clonmel last night happens," said Father Michael Toomey, school chaplain of the CBS High School in Clonmel.
Fr Toomey said he spent time with the families who lost loved ones on Friday evening, and that schools in the area are currently planning to assist students affected by the tragedy.
"Of course, my thoughts and prayers are with the four young people who tragically lost their lives tonight, to their families, and their friends, on what should have been one of the happiest nights of their lives."
"Please, look out for one another in these days, and don’t be afraid to look for help and support in the coming days."
Garda Forensic Collision Investigators (FCI) began examinations of the scene this morning.
The remains of those who lost their lives were removed from the scene last night to Tipperary University Hospital.
An incident room has been established at Clonmel Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation.
A spokesperson said An Garda Síochána's focus now is the preparation of an investigation file for the Coroner.
The spokesperson said that family liaison officers have been appointed to each of the families to provide support and the families.
Investigating gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to contact the investigation team.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Mountain Road area between 7pm and 7:45pm are asked to make this footage available to gardaí.
Gardaí are aware that images of the immediate aftermath of this collision are being shared on social media and messaging applications.
An Garda Síochána are appealing to the public not to share any of this material, if received, out of respect for the privacy of the deceased and their family and friends.
Gardaí asked for “time and space” in order to inform the families of the victims of the “tragic accident”.
In light of the tragedy, Clonmel Pride has cancelled their parade and Pride at the Plaza events on Sunday in a mark of "utmost respect for the griefing families friends and community."
In statement, the Clonmel Pride Team said their thoughts are "consumed by the profound loss that has befallen our town."
They added: "At this time of profound sorrow, let us embrace one another, offering solace and comfort to those who need it most."
Independent TD for Tipperary Mattie McGrath said there is huge shock and disbelief in Clonmel town.
“There is disbelief and numbness,” he said.
"The families involved are all local, from Clonmel and the surrounding area. It is utterly devastating. Our prayers are with the families and the whole community.”
A total of 118 people have now lost their lives to date in 2023, the highest numbers seen in six years. A quarter of those killed up to the end of July were aged between 16 and 25 years.
Earlier this week, the Road Safety Authority appealed to road users “to be vigilant and share the roads responsibly”.
“The RSA is urging drivers to slow down, look out for vulnerable road users and don’t forget to take breaks on your journey to avoid driver fatigue.
“Drivers should take greater care and expect to encounter walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and agri-vehicles during the busy summer period.
“For drivers, please remember to slow down, as weather conditions have been unpredictable this summer, and don’t get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs."