A cloud of sadness has descended on Gaoth Dobhair as members of the community learn of the horror crash which claimed the lives of ‘four fine young men’.
Four well-known local men in their 20s died following a single car crash on a quiet road in Magheraroarty, Gortahork, before 9pm on Sunday night.
Tributes have poured out for the local men who died in the incident. The identities of the victims have not yet been made public. Two men are said to be from Gortahork, one from Falcarragh and one from Gaoth Dobhair.
Falcarragh councillor and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Seamus O’Domhnaill said: “Four of the finest young men that anyone would want to have in any community have been tragically and devastatingly taken away from us.
“Members of the Gaoth Dobhair and the wider community are more than devastated. Everybody sends their condolences to their family and also to their group of friends, they were all friends in school,” the councillor told Independent.ie.
Devastating news from Gaoth Dobhair tonight. A cloud of sadness over the area. Thoughts and prayers are with those involved and their families.
— Pearse Doherty (@PearseDoherty) January 27, 2019
Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty TD said he was heartbroken over the tragic crash. He said: “The parish and surrounding areas are numbed with sadness. Four young lives taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this time.”
Parish priest for Gortahork Fr Sean O’Gallchóir told RTE Morning Ireland that two of the victims were childhood friends from his area.
Fr O’Gallchóir said the families were “totally devastated and in shock and in great grief”.
“The community will rally around, people will do their best, but this will be a void for the rest of the parents’ lives,” the priest said.
The scene of the fatal crash is currently preserved for a technical examination and local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Milford Garda Station on 074-9153060 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
