Two rural communities in County Mayo have been left devastated after two men in their 20s died in a fatal road traffic accident last night.
The men have been named as Stephen Brennan, 25, from Bohola County Mayo, originally from County Donegal, and Martin Murphy, 27, from Knock.
The friends died when the silver Volkswagen Golf they were travelling in collided with an articulated truck just before midnight on Wednesday night at Facefield on the N60 Balla to Claremorris road.
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Their bodies were taken to Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar where a post-mortem will be carried out. The driver of the truck (30s) was taken to Mayo University Hospital as a precaution.
Gardaí conducted a forensic examination of the road today.
Tributes have started to flood in for both men with one heartfelt message on Stephen Brennan's RIP.ie death notice reading: "Rip Stephen. Still can’t believe it, you will be missed greatly, my thoughts and prayers to your family. I’m deeply sorry for your loss."
Another addressed Mr Brennan's parents as someone said they were hoping their memories and "Stephen's spirit keep you strong at this hard time."
Local councillor John Cribbin (FG) said the deaths were part of an upward national trend of road fatalities.
“Every day of the week you read and hear in the media of road deaths nationally but now it has happened on our doorstep," he commented.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and any road users with video footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station 094 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. Their funerals are expected to take place on Sunday.
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