Gardaí say they are following a definite line of inquiry following a three-car collision in Co Limerick, which claimed the life of a nurse who was on her way to work on Friday night.
The victim has been named locally as Áine O'Reilly, who worked in Shannondoc, an out-of-hours medical service in Limerick.
Ms O’Reilly, who was from Pallasgreen, Limerick, was the only daughter of a retired garda and teacher.
Parish priest of Pallasgreen and Templebraden Fr Tomas O'Connell said the O’Reilly family are well known and respected in the community, and there is a pall of gloom over the parish following Ms O’Reilly’s death.
"There was a palpable silence in Nicker Church at mass last night," Fr O’Connell said.
"People are shocked at the terrible tragedy that has happened our lovely parish and community," he added.
He described Ms O’Reilly as a caring young woman who had previously travelled to Lourdes as a youth worker.
"That was the nature of the lady and the family," he said. "That’s what the family is all about, giving and helping other people," Fr O'Connell added.
Ms O'Reilly was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash which happened on the N24 at Grange West, Boher at 11.10pm on Friday.
The driver of another vehicle involved in the collision fled the scene, leaving the vehicle they were driving behind.
A man in his 40s, who was the sole occupant of another vehicle, was injured in the crash. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Fr O'Connell said the thoughts and prayers of the local community are with this man.
Gardaí have issued a statement thanking the public for their assistance in their investigations after they appealed for information yesterday, seeking to identify the driver who fled the scene.
They say their investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
