'Sadness and disbelief' in Carlow after fatal crash

A priest in County Carlow has expressed deep sorrow over a fatal road crash in which five teenagers lost their lives and four others, including a child, sustained injuries. The collision occurred at 2:55 am on Sunday, near Junctions 3 and 4 of the M9 motorway, in Moone, Co Kildare. Fr Tom Little, the parish priest, conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured, wishing them a speedy recovery.

The injured individuals are members of the same family, all from Carlow. Fr Little, who spoke to RTÉ’s News at One, emphasized the community’s long road to healing and the profound impact on those who lost loved ones. He also extended his sympathy to the families of the injured, particularly those in critical condition, and wished them well.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael Councillor Fergal Browne, principal of St Joseph’s National School in Carlow town, described the tragedy as a profound blow to the school and the broader community. He noted that one of the deceased was once a student at the school, adding a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy. Cllr Browne highlighted the numbing effect on the town and the resilience of its people, emphasizing the need for support and empathy during this challenging time.

Both Browne and Fr McEntee, the parish priest of Athy, stressed the importance of community solidarity, prayer, and offering support to those affected, both in hospital and in their grief. The incident has left the community in shock and disbelief, with many grappling with the sudden and unexpected nature of the tragedy.