Monaghan school in ‘deep shock’ after two teen girls die in devastating car crash

It is understood that the teenagers were being driven to a Debs ball when the collision occurred.

Tributes are pouring in for the two teenage girls who died in a car crash in Monaghan on Monday evening (31 July). The incident, which also left three others injured, occurred on the N54 at Legnakelly near Clones at around 6.45pm. Gardaí have stated that the two teenagers that passed away were aged 16 and 17. They were passengers in the vehicle and were fatally injured in the collision. In terms of those injured in the crash, an 18-year old female passenger is in critical condition and is receiving treatment in Cavan General Hospital. Also in critical condition is the 60-year-old male driver of the car who is being cared for at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Another passenger, an 18-year-old male, is currently receiving treatment in Cavan General Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. According to multiple reports, it is understood that the four teenagers attended Largy College in Clones and were being driven to a Debs ball when the collision occurred.

Statement from CMETB / Largy Collegehttps://t.co/dQa2mscb6V

— Largy College Official (@LargyOfficial) August 1, 2023

In a statement, the school said its students, staff and board of management are in "deep shock" following the incident. Its principal Sharon Magennis wrote:

“It is with profound sadness and grief that we have learned about the devastating accident that resulted in the untimely and tragic loss of two cherished members of our school community. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends who have tragically lost loved ones. The other individuals involved in the accident also remain in our thoughts and prayers at this time.” “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services and Gardaí who responded swiftly to the incident."

Magennis also said that Largy College's priority now is the wellbeing and welfare of its students, parents and staff at this difficult time. "The Largy College Critical Incident Team has met to coordinate a response and to enact the Critical Incident Plan," she said. “We are grateful to the public for their deeply felt expression of support and ask that we be given the time and space to concentrate on supporting those in the school community who are most in need.” Meanwhile, Minister and TD for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency Heather Humphreys said the tragedy was "heartbreaking news" for the local community. "Every family's worst nightmare. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved," she wrote.

Heartbreaking news for our local community in the Clones area this evening. Every families worst nightmare. My thoughts & prayers are with all those involved.

— Heather Humphreys (@HHumphreysFG) July 31, 2023

Gardaí in Monaghan are now appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them. Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam footage, and were travelling on the N54 between Clones and Smithborough on the evening of Monday, 31 July between 6.15pm and 7.00pm are asked to make such footage available to Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. Read more:

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