People lined the streets of Clones this evening to form a guard of honour for 17-year-old Kiea McCann, one of two teenagers who died in a car crash while travelling to a Debs ball in Co Monaghan.
Kiea and her friend Dlava Mohamed, 16, died on Monday evening after the car they were travelling in left the N54 and crashed into a tree on the side of the road, just outside Clones.
As Kiea's remains were removed from a funeral home in Monaghan town and brought home to Clones, dozens of people from the local community stood on Monaghan Street and at the town square in Clones, The Diamond, as a mark of support for the family.
Among them were Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, who is a local TD.
Earlier today, local priest Fr Peter Corrigan was called to the scene of the accident last night.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, he said he anointed the two young girls at the scene and prayed for them.
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He also said that he spoke briefly with the families.
"There's a time where words mean very very little, probably your presence is more important than what you say," Fr Corrigan added.
He said this is "something you have to live with and try to find consolation and strength to face the years ahead of sadness and emptiness that a tragedy like this brings into your life".
The principal of Largy College expressed "deepest sympathies" to the families and friends of the two girls who were killed.
In a statement, Sharon Magennis said: "It is with profound sadness and grief that we have learned about the devastating accident that resulted in the untimely and tragic loss of two cherished members of our school community.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends who have tragically lost loved ones.
"The other individuals involved in the accident also remain in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services and gardai who responded swiftly to the incident.
"Our priority now is the wellbeing and welfare of the students, parents and staff at this difficult time.
"The Largy College critical incident team has met to co-ordinate a response and to enact the critical incident plan.
"We are grateful to the public for their deeply felt expression of support and ask that we be given the time and space to concentrate on supporting those in the school community who are most in need."
'Horrendous ordeal'
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said Largy College is at the heart of the community and its principal and staff will do all they can to help those affected by the tragedy.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Philip Boucher-Hayes, he said the scene at the nightclub where the Debs was to have taken place was one of utter devastation as young people heard what had happened.
"There are no words, it's just a horrendous ordeal," he added.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Clones Sinn Féin councillor Pat Treanor said it is "an absolute horror that's unfolding, and it's heartbreaking for everyone who lives in the area".
"I extend on my own behalf and on behalf of the local community sincere sympathy to the families of the two young children who died," Cllr Treanor said.
He said that after finishing work he saw young people gathering for their Debs, having photos taken and meeting friends.
An hour later, there were helicopters, sirens of ambulances, and sad messages started coming through about a serious accident on the Monaghan road.
He said Largy College would have a catchment area of 8km-10km around the town.
The school stayed open late last night to provide support, and the Debs was called off, he added.
"Everybody, parents or no parents, were really numbed, shocked and waiting on the most tragic news," Cllr Treanor said.
He added that there is a silence in the local community and people are willing to provide any kind of solidarity and support.
The Debs ball was due to be held in the Westerna Arms Hotel in Monaghan Town.
In a statement, the hotel's management said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those families that have suffered an unbearable loss and those that remain in critical condition following the tragic accident last night.
"Our thoughts are also with all the community associated with Largy College and to all students who displayed great maturity and empathy upon hearing the tragic news.
"Finally, a thank you to all the staff on duty last night for dealing with everything in such a professional way."
Director with Youth Work Ireland in Cavan-Monaghan Caolán Faux said there is a sense of shock and disbelief in the community over the deaths of the two girls.
He said staff members spoke with young people and their parents last night and this morning offering support and the centre is open to anyone who needs it.
Additional reporting: PA
