Brother and sister among four killed in horror crash just hours after receiving Leaving Cert results as tributes paid
A BROTHER and sister were among four young people killed in a horror crash last night just hours after receiving their Leaving Cert results.
The driver of the car, a 24-year-old man, had been taking the three 18-year-old girls, all from the south Tipperary area, to a celebratory event when the car spun out of control near Clonmel at around 7.30pm.
It's understood that the vehicle fell down a steep embankment, turning over several times before coming to a stop close to the entrance of Hillview Sports Club.
There was no other vehicle involved.
Their bodies were removed from the scene to Tipperary University Hospital, where post-mortem examinations will be carried out in the coming days.
The road remains closed this morning, and Garda forensic collision investigators are expected to conduct an examination of the scene later today.
Gardai have appealed to the public not to share images of the aftermath of the collision on social media.
An incident room has been established at Clonmel Garda Station, and a senior investigating officer has been appointed.
The local community has been left reeling after the incident, expressing its shock and sadness following the deaths.
Tributes have poured out for those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
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In a statement this morning Taoiseach Leo Varadkar 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.
"I am assured that the school authorities and HSE will work together to put in place the necessary supports for their classmates and community. We must come together in times such as this.
'AWFUL'
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha."
Fr Declan McInerney from the Parish of Eyrecourt, Meelick and Clonfert said: "Sadly, we awake this morning to the awful news of the death of four young people in Clonmel Co.Tipperary last evening.
"It appears three had just received their Leaving Cert results yesterday...my thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends...and the school community at this very sad time.
"May Our Lady of Clonfert bless and protect all families on this very sad day..and may the Souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace."
TD Maurice Quinlivan also paid tribute to the young people, saying it should have been "one of the happiest nights of their young lives."
'DEVASTATING NEWS'
He said: "Last night I was in Limerick City, and the place was absolutely buzzing - so many young people out and about enjoying themselves with their friends and celebrating the Leaving Certs results - then we hear the devastating news from nearby Clonmel.
"Four young people tragically lost their lives on what should be one of the happiest nights of their young lives.
"My deepest sympathy to their families, friends and the community in Tipperary.
"May they rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”
Speaking last night, the Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Richie Molloy, said locals have been plunged into grief in the wake of the horrific loss of young life.
He said: ";At this stage, we do not know who was involved, but I know that there are a number of families receiving the most awful and tragic of news tonight.
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"Today was a happy day for the young people who received their Leaving Cert results, and this has cast a cloud of sadness and grief over the entire community, young and old.
"Everyone is thinking and praying for the families at this time."
