The M1 motorway north of Drogheda was again branded the most dangerous road in Ireland by the Louth county coroner yesterday.
Mr Ronan Maguire referred to 22-year-olds Mr Gerard McLoughlin and Ms Celine McArdle "as two more victims" of the road.
The inquest into the death of the third victim, Ms Elaine McGeogh, will take place next week in Dundalk. Mr McLoughlin, Anne Street, Dundalk, and Ms McArdle, from Boyle O'Reilly Terrace, Dundalk, together with their friend, Ms Elaine McGeogh (21), Barrack Street, were killed in a collision on the motorway on August 13th this year.
The inquests into the deaths of Mr McLoughlin and Ms McArdle were officially opened by the coroner yesterday and then adjourned at the request of gardaí who are still investigating the crash.
Drogheda Coroner's Court heard that both were killed instantly when the Rover Mr McLoughlin was driving collided with a van near Dunleer.
The three friends all worked together in the Lisdoo Arms pub, Dundalk, and were on their way to a concert in Dublin.
"It is appalling that fine young people lost their lives on this, what has been reported as, the most dangerous road in the country.
"They are two more victims of the M1 and this is an appalling loss for their families," the coroner said.