Community in shock at loss of four young lives in crash
» Tragic casualties » Police pledge to named locally after conduct ‘thorough horror at weekend & sensitive’ inquiry
TRIBUTES have been paid to the four people who died in a single vehicle collision at the weekend.
The crash involving a grey Volkswagen Golf occurred on the Ballynahonemore Road in Co Armagh at around 2.10am on Sunday.
The four, who were all in their 20s, were declared dead at the scene and have been named locally as Phil Mitchell, Keith Morrison, Emma Mallon and Marina Crilly.
Following the tragic crash, the community has gathered around and paid tribute to the victims.
Haffey Sportsground in Portadown remembered their “beloved” employee Keith in a social media post and said they were “completely shocked and saddened”.
They added: “Keith has been a part of the Haffey Sportsground family since he was fifteen when he came to work during school holidays alongside his father Alwyn who managed our garage and yard.
“Since then Keith has become an integral part of our team driving lorries and tractors, maintaining sportsgrounds all over the island of Ireland.
“Keith and Alwyn are much loved at Haffey Sportsgrounds and we extend our deepest sympathies to Alwyn and Keith’s mother Lisa, his sisters, Denise, Georgina, Emily, Melanie, step-mum, Christine Wright and the wider circle of family and friends.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this devastating accident. A funeral service will be held later this week for Keith.”
The Motorsport Hub paid tribute to Phil, who had been a junior rally driving champion.
They said: “Awful news to hear that one of the car crash victims in Armagh over the weekend was Phil
Mitchell. An experienced competitor especially in the junior categories, he was the 2019 Junior Border Rally Champions. Thoughts are with the family circle at this time.”
Emma’s workplace, Mullan’s Spar on the Monaghan Road in Armagh, paid tribute to her
Mark H Durkan yesterday. They said: “Emma was not only a loyal employee, but a friend to both staff and customers alike, always helpful and smiling. Another life taken too soon.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Emma’s parents and family and the other three families affected by this tragic accident which occurred at the weekend.”
Posting on social media, a friend of the victims said: “You girls will be so missed! Marina Crilly thinking of all your family and friends through this very hard time. May you all rest in peace x.”
Irish music group, Tamna Ceili, paid tribute to crash victim Marina on social media, sharing an image of her
enjoying a
The whole community is reeling in shock but will come together... MARK H DURKAN ON THE LOSS OF LIVES IN CRASH
I am deeply shocked & saddened to learn four people lost their lives CATHAL BOYLAN YESTERDAY
HEARTBROKEN
Anyone with information that could assist us is asked to get in touch
PAUL MCGRATTAN PSNI DISTRICT COMMANDER SUPERINTENDENT
fundraising event in 2022. They said: “So sorry to hear about the loss of our good friend Marina Crilly in that terrible road tragedy in Armagh last night.
“Our sympathy goes out to wee Cillian, to the Crilly family and also the Prunty family and all others who had the pleasure to know her – here she is in happier times enjoying the Lucky, Lucky Hooley in 2022. Suaimhneas siorai uirthi.”
DEVASTATING
Another pal of Marina and Emma posted: “You both could light up a room with your smile. Thank you for all of the laughter and unforgettable memories from work.
“I will miss you so very much! Forever in my heart. Rest in peace beautiful girl. God bless your families in this hard and sad time.”
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan paid tribute to the crash victims, saying the community will support each other through this “awful, dark time.” He said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the four young people whose lives were tragically lost in a crash in Armagh in the early hours of yesterday morning.
“Marina Crilly, Phil Mitchell, Emma Mallon, Keith Morrison.
“Their families are devastated and the whole community is reeling in shock but will come together and support each other through this awful, dark time.
“This is as stark a reminder we could get of the fragility of life, the dangers of our roads, and the suddenness with which the world can change, for the worse, for any of us. Ar dheis De go raibh a n-anamacha dilse.”
On Sunday, PSNI District Commander Superintendent Paul Mcgrattan said: “This is an unspeakable tragedy for the families involved, and for the wider community, who will understandably struggle to comprehend such loss of life. A thorough and sensitive investigation is now under way and anyone with information that could assist us is asked to get in touch with the collision investigation unit.
“The thoughts of the entire police service are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.” Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan expressed his condolences on Sunday. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn that four people tragically lost their lives in a collision on the Ballynahonemore Road this morning.
“I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of all those involved in this tragic accident.
“This has left the entire community stunned and heartbroken. We will all rally around to support these families in what will be difficult days ahead.
“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for all their efforts at the scene and would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the
police.”