Clonmel crash victims achieved “excellent results” in Leaving Cert as schools pay tribute

Simon Kelly

“Our school and our town are covered in a cloud of sadness and devastation.”

The three Leaving Cert students who were tragically killed in a car crash in Clonmel received “excellent results” in their exams, their school principals have revealed.

Gardaí in Tipperary revealed the names of the four young people who died in the “nightmare” road crash on Friday evening (25 August).

The driver in the single-vehicle collision was Luke McSweeney, 24, while the passengers were his sister Grace McSweeney (18), along with Nicole Murphy and Zoey Coffey (also both 18).

All four were killed when the vehicle struck a wall and overturned at Hillview, Mountain Road at around 7.30pm. They each died at the scene.

School principals pay tribute to Leaving Cert students who achieved “excellent results.”

Michael O’Loughlin, principal of Presentation Secondary School in Clonmel said the the town was “covered in a cloud of sadness and devastation” on a statement on the school’s website.

“No words can express our sorrow, pain and grief. Zoey and Grace were two beautiful students loved by everyone who met them and achieved such excellent results on Friday.

“Both girls were absolutely thrilled with their results and were looking forward to new, exciting times ahead.

Mr O’Loughlin paid tribute to the two pupils who lost their lives alongside Grace’s brother, Luke McSweeney, and Nicole Murphy, a student from a neighbouring school Loreto.

“Grace was a gentle and kind person. She was thoughtful, considerate, and hard working. Grace was a gifted gymnast and dancer, and a very good student who had a positive impact on everyone she encountered.

“Zoey’s personality was warm and vibrant. She was funny, kind and determined. Zoey was a diligent worker and was very popular with her peers and her teachers.

“She was central in all aspects of school life in Presentation.”

Loreto principal Anne McGrath also paid tribute to Nicole, saying that she also achieved “excellent Leaving Cert results” and was “looking forward with excitement to starting the next phase of her life.”

“No words can express our sorrow, pain and grief. Nicole was a beautiful student, highly regarded by staff and students alike.

“During her time in Loreto, she developed into a young woman who was kind, gentle and witty and she was a trusted and loyal friend.”

CBS High School in Clonmel also paid tribute to past pupil Luke, saying it was “devastated”, adding: “The best support we can be at this time is to be there for each other.”