A COUPLE and their young grandson who died in a collision in Co. Tipperary on Tuesday evening have been named.
Thomas O'Reilly, 45, Bridget O'Reilly, 46, and Tom O'Reilly, aged three, lost their lives when the car they were travelling in struck a wall near Cashel.
Two other family members, a man and woman, both aged 22, remain in hospital.
Liz O'Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), described the incident as an 'unfathomable tragedy'.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Kieran Ruane said gardaí would support the family and the wider community over the difficult times ahead.
Garda Superintendent Kieran Ruane speaking to media on Wednesday (Image: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie)"Our local community here in Cashel is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic road traffic collision involving five members of one family, with three deceased," he said.
"I have spoken with the family of the deceased this morning, a family that is devastated by this terrible incident.
"I assured the family and I want to assure the community that local gardaí here in South Tipperary are here to support them and the community, as we all come to terms with this tragedy over the coming days, weeks and months."
Second tragedy
The incident came just four days after four young people died in a collision in Clonmel on Friday evening.
Luke McSweeney, 24, his sister Grace McSweeney, 18, and their friends, Nicole Murphy and Zoey Coffey, both 18, died as they were heading out to celebrate the girls' Leaving Cert results.
In a statement on social media, Independent TD Mattie McGrath expressed his grief at the recent tragedies.
"The number of young lives lost on Tipperary roads this week simply doesn't bear thinking of, so many lives shattered, hearts broken and futures wiped away in the blink of an eye," he wrote.
"I want to express my deepest sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to those left injured.
"Their pain must be unbearable and you are in the hearts and prayers of the entire community."
A member of An Garda Siochana places flowers given by a member the public near the scene of Tuesday’s collision (Image: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie)Ms O'Donnell of the RSA said her thoughts were with the people of Tipperary, with the loss coming so soon after Friday's tragedy.
"I am deeply saddened by the road crash that occurred last night near Cashel, which claimed the lives of a three-year-old child and two adults, the child's grandparents" she said.
"The collision saw two more adults, the child's parents, taken to hospital in serious condition.
"My sincere condolences, and those of the Road Safety Authority, go out to the family and friends of those involved, and anyone who is affected by this unfathomable tragedy.
"My thoughts are with the affected communities in Tipperary who are reeling at this sad time, occurring only four days after another terrible incident in Tipperary that claimed the lives of four young people in Clonmel."
A vigil is due to take place on Thursday at 3pm at St John the Baptist Church in Cashel.
Investigation
Tuesday’s collision occurred shortly before 9pm at Windmill, Knockbulloge, Cashel.
The remains of the deceased were taken to Waterford University Hospital where post mortems are taking place today.
The road at Windmill remains closed while a technical and forensic examination is carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to provide support to the family and update them on the course of the investigation.
An incident room has been set up at Cahir Garda Station.
Anyone who was driving between Golden and Cashel from 8.15-8.45pm on Tuesday and who may have any camera footage is asked to contact the investigation team at Cahir.
Anyone with information should contact Cahir Garda Station on 052 744 5630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
