TRIBUTES have been paid to two teenagers who died in a two-vehicle collision in Co. Mayo.
A third teenager was injured in the collision involving a car and a tractor on the N83 at Levallyroe at around 8pm on Friday.
The deceased have been named locally as 13-year-old James Daniels and 19-year-old Harry Fagan.
The injured youth was transferred to Mayo University Hospital where he remains in a serious condition, while the tractor driver, a man in his 50s, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
'Tragic loss of life'
In a statement on their Facebook page, soccer club Cloonfad United said the local community was 'in complete shock, numbness and disbelief' as it paid tribute to the teenagers.
"James Daniels was a member of our U14 squad that recently won the RDYSL Division One championship and he scored a number of goals during their campaign," read the statement.
"James loved being with his teammates and friends and had a lovely friendly personality to match.
"Harry Fagan played for Cloonfad all the way through our underage programme. Playing mostly in the midfield, he always gave his best.
"Of course, people involved in the game locally would be well aware of the Fagan name.
"They have given so much to our club in various different platforms and are so generous with their time to all local volunteer groups."
The club's senior game against Skyvalley Rovers was only a few minutes old when it was abandoned as news of the tragedy broke.
Other regional teams offered their condolences to the families, with Lough Harps posting: "We share your grief and heartbreak at this very difficult time. May James and Harry rest in peace."
Meanwhile, St John's Harps wrote: "We would like to express our most heartfelt condolences to everyone at Cloonfad United FC on the terrible road traffic accident yesterday evening. Such a sudden and tragic loss of life.
"We pass on our sincere condolences to all the families involved and to the wider Cloonfad community at this sad time and offer our prayers and support."
James' funeral is due to take place on Tuesday, while Harry will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
Appeal
Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to the collision to come forward as they investigate the incident.
Any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling in the area at the time of the collsion are asked to make the footage available to gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any garda station.
