TWO TEENAGE brothers killed in yesterday’s car crash outside Killarney were in fine form as they headed out with friends on Tuesday night, according to their grief-stricken mother.
Speaking at her home at Hazelwood Drive in Ballyspillane, Sheila Breen said her two sons had gone out with some friends. “The boys’ friends called for them and they were all in great form as they headed off,” she said.
David was attending Youthreach in Killarney, while Kevin was to begin third year and do his Junior Certificate at St Brendan’s College in Killarney.
Mrs Breen, her husband Denis and their other children, Michael (21), Denis (19), Mary (11) and Billy (3) were being comforted at home by friends and relatives yesterday as a book of condolences was opened at Ballyspillane Community Centre.
Mayor of Killarney Cllr Donal Grady said it was a very sad day for the people of Killarney and Castleisland, but their grief paled beside the grief of the families. “It’s shocking – the whole community is numbed, but if Killarney and Castleisland are numbed, imagine what it must be like for the families of those killed – one death in a car accident is shocking but for four young people to die is deeply tragic.”
The death of Áine O’Riordan, who is survived by her parents Dan and Mary and sisters Samantha, Cáit and Tara, was greeted with a similar dismay in her native Castleisland.
Former mayor of Kerry Cllr Bobby O’Connell said people in the town were already coming to terms with two double fatal road crashes which claimed the lives of four young men in the past three years.
“Last Saturday was the anniversary of one of those car crashes where two young lads died, and two years before that another two young lads died, so the grief from that was still very raw when we heard about this latest crash,” Cllr O’Connell said.
“It’s another blow for the community, and Áine O’Riordan’s family live in the same park as two of those lads who died in one of those crashes. It’s a devastating blow for them and our hearts go out to them after this tragedy.”
Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly knew both the Breens and Brian Coffey (19), who had rowed with Fossa Rowing Club and played football with Fossa-Listry. He said the four deaths had shocked everyone in the Killarney and Castleisland area.
“Just one death would be a tragedy, but you never expect to hear of four people – all teenagers with their lives in front of them – being killed in the one crash. It’s similar to the Donegal tragedy earlier this year and will leave a big void in so many lives,” he said.
Kerry South TD John O’Donoghue extended sympathies to the bereaved and said the deaths were deeply saddening.