THE IRISH HERALD — COMMUNITY SPECIAL REPORT

Hundreds Gather for Candlelit Vigils Honouring Five Young Victims of “Devastating” Co. Louth Road Crash

Communities across Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Scotland came together in grief on Tuesday night as hundreds of people attended candlelit vigils to remember the five young adults who died in what Gardaí have described as a “shocking and devastating” road crash near Dundalk on Saturday evening.

Three separate vigils were held simultaneously in Ardee, Co. Louth; Drumconrath, Co. Meath; and Aughnamullen, Co. Monaghan, drawing large crowds of heartbroken family members, friends, neighbours, former classmates, teachers and local clergy. Many attendees carried candles, photographs and flowers as communities stood shoulder to shoulder in solemn remembrance.

The victims were named earlier this week as Chloe McGee, 23, and Shay Duffy, 21, both from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan; Alan McCluskey, 23, from Drumconrath, Co. Meath; Dylan Commins, 23, from Ardee, Co. Louth; and Chloe Hipson, 21, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland. All five were travelling together in a Volkswagen Golf on their way to Dundalk for a night out when the collision occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on a rural road.

A sixth person, also in his twenties and travelling in the Golf, survived and was taken to hospital. Gardaí said his injuries are non-life-threatening, and he remained in stable condition on Tuesday night. Two additional individuals travelling in the Toyota Land Cruiser involved in the crash were also injured and received medical treatment.

Communities Stand United in Support

The vigils, organised by local community groups, parish councils and family friends, aimed to offer a space for people to grieve together and support one another during an unimaginably difficult time.

In Ardee, where 23-year-old victim Dylan Commins was from, the town square filled long before the scheduled start time. Candles illuminated the area as residents formed a circle, linking arms in silent tribute. A local priest offered prayers for the victims, as well as strength for the families facing the days ahead.

In Drumconrath, the hometown of Alan McCluskey, an estimated 300 people lined the main street. The atmosphere was described as “heartbroken but united,” with friends speaking of Alan’s kindness, humour and dedication. Former classmates stood together holding photographs, many visibly emotional as the community tried to process the sudden loss of someone so young.

In Aughnamullen and Carrickmacross, where Chloe McGee and Shay Duffy lived, crowds gathered outside the local community centre and parish grounds. A moment of silence was observed at 8 p.m., followed by the lighting of candles in memory of all five victims. Friends described Chloe as “bright and full of energy” and Shay as “warm-hearted and deeply loved.”

For 21-year-old Scottish native Chloe Hipson, tributes flowed in both Ireland and Scotland. Residents in Lanarkshire held their own informal gathering, lighting candles in parks and at local schools. Chloe had been living locally in Ireland, and friends described her as “a lovely girl who settled easily and touched everyone she met.”

A Tragic Night Remembered

The fatal collision occurred when the Volkswagen Golf the group was travelling in collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser near Gibstown, on a stretch of road outside Dundalk. Weather conditions at the time were poor, with heavy rain and slippery road surfaces.

Gardaí and emergency services responded immediately, but the impact of the crash was catastrophic. All five occupants of the Golf were pronounced dead at the scene. First responders later described the incident as one of the most distressing they had encountered in recent years.

The stretch of road remains under investigation as Garda forensic collision specialists continue to examine the circumstances of the crash. Gardaí have appealed for witnesses and for anyone with dash-cam footage taken around the time of the incident to come forward.

Tributes and Messages of Support

Tributes have poured in across social media from friends, relatives, sports clubs, workplaces and schools associated with the victims. Messages of sympathy were also shared by local councillors, TDs and community groups.

One local official said:
“Five young lives lost in an instant — these communities will feel this heartbreak for a very long time.”

Schools attended by the victims have offered counselling services to students, and several workplaces have issued statements remembering their young employees and expressing condolences to the families.

A Region Grieving Together

As the vigils ended, many remained standing in small groups, embracing, sharing memories and offering comfort. Though the grief is deep and widespread, Tuesday’s gatherings demonstrated the profound sense of solidarity that binds these communities.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. Gardaí continue their investigation, and support services remain available to families and friends affected by the tragedy.

For now, the candles lit across Louth, Meath and Monaghan stand as a symbol of love, remembrance and collective mourning for five young lives lost far too soon.