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I'll 'never be whole again', says mother of crash victim

close up of Mia Lily Keogh O Keeffe with a hand over her chin against a blue background
Mia Lily Keogh O'Keeffe was walking on the Slane Road on Saturday when she was struck by a vehicle

The mother of a 16-year-old girl who died after she was struck by a vehicle at the weekend, has said her life will "never be whole again".

Mia Lily Keogh O'Keeffe was walking on the Slane Road in Navan, Co Meath, on Saturday evening when she was struck by a vehicle which failed to remain at the scene.

A man in his 20s, who was arrested in connection with the incident, has been released without charge, and a file will be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In a statement released by her family today, Mia Lily's mother Louise said her daughter "gave me the most beautiful gift of being her mother. She truly was a gift, and a most talented girl".

She described how her daughter "taught herself crafts and was an incredible artist of many different kinds, everything from crocheting to painting and clay.

"She taught herself languages just because she was that clever."

Her mother also pointed to the loss that will be felt by other family members.

"She was my daughter, but she was also a sister. Her sister left behind and her three baby brothers are never going to have the same life. She was a cousin, a niece, a granddaughter and a friend.

"I'll never be whole again, my heart will always ache," added the statement.

Navan Independent councillor Alan Lawes said there is a feeling of shock and sadness hanging over the whole town.

Speaking on RTE's Today with David McCullagh, Mr Lawes said it was an "absolute tragedy".


Watch: Locals express sadness after Mia Lily Keogh O'Keeffe's death

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Three people also died following a three-vehicle collision in Co Armagh last night.

The crash occurred on the Moy Road near Armagh city shortly before 10.30pm.

The three victims of the crash were 23-year-old Laura Hoy from Cookstown in Co Tyrone, 31-year-old Conor Quinn from Derrylaughan, Co Tyrone and 48-year-old John Guy from Keady, Co Armagh.

PSNI Detective Inspector Stewart said: "John, Conor, and Laura were travelling together in the same vehicle - a red BMW, along with another female passenger who was also injured.

Photos of John Guy, COnor Quinn and Laura Hoy
John Guy (L), Conor Quinn and Laura Hoy were killed in the crash in Armagh

"Our thoughts are with their families at this time as they come to terms with the devastating loss of their loved ones, and we will continue to support them."

Detective Stewart said two people travelling in a grey Volkswagen Amarok needed medical treatment for their injuries, while the driver of a white Audi Q3, reported minor injuries.

"Our enquiries are continuing... and anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the collision, or who has dash-cam footage or any other information, should contact police," he added.

Tributes paid to 'much-loved members' of Naas GAA Club

Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to a couple who died in a crash in Co Waterford on Saturday.

Brian and Grace Frisby, who were both aged in their 40s, were originally from Waterford but had been living in the Naas area of Co Kildare for some time.

They died in a two-vehicle collision which occurred at Robin Hill on the main Waterford to Tramore Road, about 3km outside of the seaside town on Saturday.

Gardaí are currently at the scene of a serious road traffic collision in Co Waterford.
The collision occurred at Robin Hill on the Tramore Road outside Waterford city

The couple have been described as "much loved members" of Naas GAA Club while Mr Frisby was also an "active coach" within the club.

In a statement, the chairperson of the club Damien McGrath said: "Naas GAA is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of two much-loved members of our club and community, Brian and Grace Frisby, who lost their lives in a road traffic accident on Saturday.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with their two sons, Fionn and Theo, their extended families, friends, and all who are grieving at this devastating time.

"This is an unimaginable loss for those closest to them, and the entire Naas GAA community stands with them in their sorrow.

"Brian was an active coach within our club, giving generously of his time, energy, and passion to support and develop our young players. Their passing under such tragic circumstances will be felt far and wide across both the club and the wider community.

"His contribution and support will be remembered with deep appreciation.

"In the coming days, we will work closely with the family to support them in any way we can, and we ask that the privacy of all those affected be respected as they navigate this very painful period. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha," Mr McGrath added.

The club has also since postponed a number of scheduled events out of a mark of respect.

The collision, involving a car and a van, took place on the Tramore Road in the townland of Pickardstown just before midday on Saturday.

The driver of the van, a man aged in his 50s, and a boy, who was a passenger in the vehicle, were taken to University Hospital Waterford with injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

Gardaí have appealed to any witnesses to contact Tramore Garda Station on 051 391 620, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

They particularly want to speak to anyone who may have been in the area between 11.45am and 12.15pm on Saturday and who may have dash-cam footage.

RSA expresses 'sadness and concern' over weekend deaths

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) expressed its "deep sadness and concern" following the loss of life on the roads over the weekend.

"These latest tragedies come against the backdrop of a difficult year for road safety in 2025, which saw an increase in the number of people killed on Irish roads. The RSA said the loss of life this weekend serves as a stark reminder that the risk of serious and fatal collisions remains ever-present for all road users."

Michael Rowland, Director of Research, Standards and Assurance for the RSA, said: "Any loss of life on our roads is one too many. We are deeply saddened to learn of the deaths, and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."

The RSA urged all road users "to exercise care and responsibility when travelling, particularly during weekends when traffic volumes can increase and journeys may involve longer distances or unfamiliar routes".