President Connolly leads tributes to five young people killed in 'devastating' Louth crash
President Catherine Connolly has led tributes to the five young people who died in a two-vehicle collision near Dundalk in Co Louth on Saturday night.
Three other people, one of whom is also in his early 20s, were injured in what gardaí described as a “shocking and devastating” crash.
Gardaí said it would have “a deep impact” on families and communities in Carrickmacross, Dromconrath and in Scotland.
The crash, which involved a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser, happened on a road near Dundalk just after 9pm.
President Connolly said that she was “deeply saddened and shocked” at the loss of five young lives on Saturday night.
She said: “I am thinking of them, their families and of those injured.
“May I acknowledge also all those first responders who have worked to support all involved.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “numbed and shocked” at the news, while Tánaiste Simon Harris said a “veil of deep sadness” had come over the country.
Mr Martin said: “I am numbed and shocked at the horrific road crash that has led to the loss of five young lives in Dundalk, Co Louth.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these young people, and those injured.
“We also think of our first responders, who worked so professionally in truly devastating circumstances.”
Tánaiste Mr Harris said: “A veil of deep sadness and shock has come over our country this morning with the news emerging of the devastating loss of five young lives overnight in a road traffic accident in Co Louth.
“This morning, my thoughts, and I know the thoughts of people right across our country, are with the families of those who have lost loved ones, their friends, and their communities.
“We keep them in our prayers and in our thoughts now and in the time ahead.
“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services.
“One cannot even imagine the extraordinarily difficult and tragic circumstances in which they found themselves working last night as they set about trying to help in the most harrowing of situations.”
Superintendent Liam Geraghty said it was particularly stark that they were speaking on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
“The events that occurred here last night again are a very, very clear reminder for us of how things can change dramatically on our roads in a split second, and the tragedy that that brings to families, to communities and to loved ones.
“As we stand here today, 157 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year in 2025. That is a slight increase, unfortunately, in the number who lost their lives on roads in 2024.”
Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien said in a statement that he was "shocked and upset to learn of the tragic loss of five young lives" last night.
"The families and friends of these young people, as well as those injured, are in my thoughts and prayers today.
"I would also like to pay tribute to the men and women in the emergency services who responded to last night’s events in the most professional manner," Mr O'Brien said.
