Donegal County Councillors have expressed sincere sympathies to the families of four men who tragically lost their lives in last night’s road crash in Gortahork.
Cathaoirleach Seamus O’Domhnaill said the devastation of the tragedy could not be put into words on this ‘dark day for Donegal’.
Four young men in their 20s died in a single-vehicle crash on a local road in the townland of Glenhola, near Magheraroarty, before 9pm on Sunday night.
Councillors adjourned their monthly meeting for one hour this morning as a mark of respect to the victims, their families, and in honour of two other members of the council community who passed away this month.
Cross-party tributes and condolences were paid for the late Cllr JJ Reid, who passed away on Thursday following an illness, and council employee John McBride, who died in an accident in Creeslough.
Speaking to Donegal Daily from the Lifford Council Chamber, Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill said a black cloud has descended on West Donegal following Sunday night’s accident.
The Falcarragh councillor said the four victims were the perfect example of fine members of the community.
He described them as “four very popular young men, very polite and very good in every way they operated.”
“These men very active in their communities and deeply involved in all facets of sport in Cloughaneely and Gaoth Dobhair,” Cllr O’Domhnaill said.
“They were widely known in West Donegal, from Creeslough right through to the Rosses. They were four great young men that would epitomise everything you’d want to have in your county by way of young men.”
Cllr O’Domhnaill said the community has united in mourning and in support of the families:
“I know, having spoken and taken phone calls this morning, how supportive Donegal will be, from the HSE to the Council, and anybody associated with anything in the county, they all want to lend their support.
“The GAA clubs are coming together this morning because it affects many members of GAA clubs because of their involvement in them.
“It’s devastating for four young lives to be taken so quickly and so tragically. It will leave an awful dark, black cloud over West Donegal and one that won’t go away too easily.”
The four deaths bring to 10 the number of people who have lost their lives on Irish roads over the last week.
Cllr O’Domhnaill said the recent tragedies bring back devastation to many communities.
“In recent weeks, we know in Donegal of a number of tragedies, and indeed nationally.
“We thought we were getting over the road traffic collisions but unfortunately this brings it all back to bear for every family in the county that has lost somebody through a traffic collision or accident.
“Unfortunately there are four more families and wider communities that are affected. We must remember them, sympathise with them and be there for them into the future,” Cllr O’Domhnaill said.
Gardaí investigating the incident are appealing for witnesses to contact them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Milford Garda Station on 074-9153060 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
