Brother and sister among four people who were tragically killed on way to exam celebrations
A brother and sister were among four people who tragically died in a car crash in Co Tipperary, Ireland.
Luke McSweeney, 24, his sister Grace McSweeney, Nicole Murphy and Zoey Coffey, all 18, were involved in the collision last night (25 August).
According to reports, the three friends had just received their results for their Leaving Certificate exams and were on their way to a party at the time.
Irish Police confirmed that their car hit a wall at Hillview on Mountain Road, County Tipperary, at 7.30pm.
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Clonmel Fire Brigade and HSE Paramedics raced to the scene following the incident.
Sadly, however, all four of the people involved in the crash died.
Superintendent Kieran Ruane of the Garda said: “I want to acknowledge and express my gratitude to my colleagues in An Garda Síochána and the other emergency services who attended the scene last night.
“The scene was very difficult, in very adverse weather conditions and the professionalism shown by all first responders and the care and respect shown to the four deceased was exemplary.
“Our local communities in particular Clonmel, Kilsheelan and Ballypatrick are shocked and deeply saddened by these events.
"I have been in contact with the principals of the local secondary schools that the girls attended and support is being put in place for the friends of all four deceased today and over the next few days.
“We want to take the opportunity to appeal to any person with any information on this road traffic collision to contact the investigation team at Clonmel Garda Station.
“We want to speak with any person who may have any camera footage or images from the R678, Mountain Road and specifically the Hillview area between 7pm and 7.30pm to give that footage or images to the investigation team at Clonmel Garda Station.
“The investigation team can be contacted at Clonmel Garda station on 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
“Finally, I once again want to express my sympathies to the families of Luke, Grace, Nicole and Zoey.”
Following the tragic news of their deaths, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar offered his condolences to their families.
He said: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the tragic incident in Clonmel last night.
“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 sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have died and the wider community in Clonmel and Tipperary. "The thoughts of the whole country are with them, their school and their community."
Dominic Smithers