‘We just cry with them...’ Deputy First Minister devastated over crash tragedy

‘No words’ for families in these situations, says Little-pengelly as cops probe Armagh collision

THE loss of four young lives in a horrific car crash in Co Armagh is “every family’s worst nightmare”, the Deputy First Minister has said.

Emma Little-pengelly, who is from the area, said she was “heartbroken” by the tragic events in the early hours of Sunday, adding: “We just cry with them”.

Marina Crilly, Phil Mitchell, Emma Mallon and Keith Morrison died when the grey Volkswagen Golf in which they were travelling crashed on the Ballynahonemore Road, Armagh.

It is understood all four individuals, who were aged in their 20s, died instantly.

Ms Little-pengelly told the Belfast Telegraph: “As someone who grew up in Markethill, I know the area well and I’ve family and friends still living there. The community is heartbroken for all the families involved.

“My colleague, William Irwin MLA, has spoken so powerfully about his experience of burying his son and impact that losing a child has on a family.

“There are no words in these situations that make it any easier for those grieving. We just cry with them and assure them of our prayerful support.

“When I heard the news filtering through and the details, it’s every family’s worst nightmare, yet it’s happening on our roads all too often.

“I also want to pay tribute to the incredible emergency services and PSNI response team.

“We know how incredibly difficult it is, especially with the scale of this tragedy.”

Separately, a pedestrian, Gary Mcloughlin, also died after being struck by a vehicle near Newry on Saturday night.

Earlier, First Minister Michelle O’neill had said it was a “heartbreaking” series of events.

“My heart goes out to the families, friends, and the local communities affected by these awful tragedies,” she said. “They are all in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”

Ms Mallon, from Middletown, had worked at Mullan’s Spar on Armagh’s Monaghan Road, which posted a tribute to her on their Facebook page yesterday.

“It is with great sadness and the heaviest of hearts that we learn of the sudden passing of our much-loved colleague and friend Emma Mallon,” 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.”

Mr Morrison, from the Tynan area, worked for Haffey Sports Grounds, which said in a social media post that they were “completely shocked and saddened” by his death.

“Keith has been a part of the Haffey Sportsgrounds family since he was 15 when he came to work during school holidays alongside his father Alwyn who managed our garage and yard,” they said.

“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.”

He was the “beloved son of Alwyn and Lisa, loving brother of Denise, Georgina, Emily and Melanie, step son of Christine Wright,” a funeral notice said.

Mr Mitchell, from Markethill, was well-known in rally circles throughout Ireland, and was a former winner of the Junior Border Rally in 2019.

Media outlet The Motorsport Hub paid tribute to him in a social media post.

“Awful news to hear that one of the car crash victims in Armagh over the weekend was Phil Mitchell,” they said. “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.”

A death notice described Mr Mitchell as the “beloved son of Janet and Roy, dearly loved brother of Keith (Courtney), Andrew (Danielle) and Tracey (Jonny), cherished Grandson of Beth, dear uncle of Curtis, Kayleb, Rohoda-beth, Harvey, Josh and Hannah”.

Firefighters from Keady, Armagh and Newry stations attended the incident. It is understood a formal identification process remains ongoing.