A night of celebration turned into heartbreak for families and communities across Ireland after a car crash claimed the lives of five young adults.
Chloe McGee, 23, from Carrickmacross, had been celebrating securing her dream teaching job when the fatal collision occurred on the L3168 at Gibstown, County Louth, shortly after 9pm on Saturday.
The Victims Remembered
The friends who died alongside Chloe have been named as Shay Duffy, 21, also from Carrickmacross; Alan McCluskey, 23, and Dillon Commins, 23, both from Drumconrath; and Chloe Hipson, 21, from Lanarkshire, Scotland.
The group were travelling in a Volkswagen Golf when it collided with a Toyota Landcruiser near Dundalk.
Irish police believe they were on their way to the town for a night out.
A sixth passenger, also in their 20s, survived the crash and remains in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Celebrating a Dream Job
Chloe McGee had just secured a permanent teaching position at the Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education in Dundalk.
Principal Padraig McGovern described her as “full of achievement and success” and recalled speaking with her just the day before the tragedy.
“I was speaking with Chloe on Friday and she was full of fun. Within 24 hours that changed drastically,” he said.
Chloe had been teaching woodwork and graphics and was excited about her future at the school.
“To think that we’re going to school today and she won’t be there is an incredible shock,” Mr McGovern added.
National Grief and Tributes
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said a “veil of deep sadness” had fallen over the country.
President Catherine Connolly expressed her condolences to the families and acknowledged the first responders who worked to support those affected.
Superintendent Charlie Armstrong of An Garda Síochána described the incident as “shocking and devastating.”
He confirmed that all five occupants of the Volkswagen Golf died at the scene and that family liaison officers have been appointed to keep the families updated.
Emergency Services Respond
The crash prompted a major incident response involving local police, Dundalk Fire Brigade, HSE paramedics, and hospital staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
The scene remains closed as forensic collision investigators carry out a technical examination, with post-mortems planned for the victims.
Superintendent Armstrong praised the professionalism of emergency services: “The scene was very difficult, in adverse weather conditions, and the care and respect shown to the five deceased was exemplary.”
A Community in Mourning
This tragedy has left a profound impact on communities in Carrickmacross, Drumconrath, Dundalk, and in Scotland.
Superintendent Armstrong urged anyone with information or camera footage from the area between 8.30pm and 9.15pm on the night of the crash to contact Dundalk Garda Station.
Tanaiste Simon Harris reiterated the nation’s grief: “A veil of deep sadness and shock has come over our country with the devastating loss of five young lives.
My thoughts are with the families, friends, and communities affected, and we continue to hold them in our prayers.”
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