Two young men killed in Donegal crash named locally

Two young men killed in a crash in Co Donegal last night have been named locally.

The two men, who were in their 30s, died instantly when their Ford Focus car was in direct collision with another car in the village of Liscooley, near Castlefinn, at around 10pm last night.

The men have been named as friends Ryan Glenn and Gordy Galbraith.

Both are understood to be from across the border in the nearby Co Tyrone village of Castlederg.

Three other people from the other vehicle, a Kia Sportage, were also injured.

A man and a woman in their 70s who were travelling in the other vehicle were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital.

They are currently in a serious condition in the intensive care unit of the hospital.

Another woman in her 30s is also being treated for non life-threatening injuries.

The accident happened on a straight stretch of the N15 road and gardaí are trying to determine what caused the crash.

Garda forensic collision investigators arrived at the scene at first light this morning to begin their investigation.

Local parish priest at Crossroads, Killygordon, Fr Patsy Arkinson, attended the scene of the crash late last night.

He described the scene as "shocking," and that locals were "shocked and hurt" following the incident.

Fr Arkinson also offered his thoughts and prayers to the deceased and injured in the collision.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Patrick McGowan, who lives minutes from the scene, said the entire community was in shock.

He said: "I would like to express my condolences to the bereaved families. We cannot imagine the pain they are going through now.

"The whole community is still in shock today to wake up to the news that two young men have lost their lives. It's just so sad.

"But I would also like to wish those injured in the tragedy a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved."

Gardaí appeal for witnesses

Head of the Garda Traffic Corps in Co Donegal, Inspector Seamus McGonigle, appealed for anybody who was in the area at the time of the crash to contact gardaí.

He said: "We would like to thank members of the public who have already been in contact with us in relation to the collision.

"However, we would appeal to anybody who was driving between Stranorlar and Castlefin from 9.30pm to 10pm and may have witnessed anything to contact gardaí"

The road was closed this morning pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí appealed for any witnesses to the collision to contact them at Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 916 7100, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666111, or any garda station.

In particular they have asked that any road users who have camera footage, including from dash cameras, to make this available.

The deaths from last night's crash brings to sixteen the number of people who have died on Co Donegal's roads so far this year.

This figure compares to ten deaths for all of last year, an increase of more than 50%.