Tributes have been paid to the mother and two daughters who died in a traffic collision in Co Mayo yesterday.
Una Bowden, aged 47, and her daughters Ciara, aged 14, and nine-year-old Saoirse, all died when the car they were travelling in collided with a truck on the N17 near Claremorris.
They were living in the Maigh Cuilinn area of Co Galway and are believed to have been travelling home when the crash occurred.
Efforts to contact the father and husband of the deceased were complicated by the fact that he is abroad for work at present.
However, gardaí confirmed that they had been in touch with Mr Bowden and that arrangements are being made for him to return to Ireland.
Local people gathered at the Church of the Inmaculate Conception in Maigh Cuilinn last night, where prayers were offered for the Bowden family.
Classmates of Ciara and Saoirse Bowden were among the congregation.
Some signed a book of condolence on their way into the service, held to mark Spy Wednesday on the Easter calendar.
"Una, Ciara & Saoirse, We loved you and we will miss you," wrote one family.
"Heartbreaking to lose such a fabulous family," said another.
Fr Martin Whelan, Maigh Cuilinn Parish Priest, said there are no words at this time, it was just a terrible tragedy.
He said: "It's just simply a case of being there for people and letting them know they're not alone."
The principal of Scoil Naomh Bríde, Tullykyne, where Saoirse went to school, has said the community is devastated.
Brian MacLochlainn said: "We here in Scoil Naomh Bríde, Tullykyne are deeply saddened by the loss of three wonderful members of our school community. Saoirse was a 3rd class student and was an incredibly joyful, talented young girl with an infectious enthusiasm and wit that couldn't help but be a positive influence on everyone she met.
"She was such an incredibly well-loved character in our small school community and we are completely devastated by her loss.
"Ciara didn't attend school here but we got to know her over the years as the wonderfully kind, caring older sister and daughter that she was. Una was a brilliant mother. She cared so wonderfully for her family and was a brilliant support to the school in every way possible.
"Today, our entire community in Tullykyne and the wider Moycullen area are all completely devastated and heartbroken by the loss of three amazing people. As we try to offer whatever support we can, our thoughts are now with David and the entire Bowden family at this unimaginably difficult time."
In a post this evening, local basketball club Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn said: "It is with enormous sadness that Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn has learned of the tragic deaths of our neighbours and clubmates Una, Ciara, and Saoirse Bowden. The Bowdens were active in many sports throughout our community.
"Ciara had been selected for the Galway Area girls under-14 basketball team. The thoughts and prayers of everyone in Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn are with the family, friends, and teammates of the Bowden family.
"We cannot possibly fathom their grief but we send them our love and support. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis."
Corrib Basketball Club, Galway, said in a statement: "It is with heavy hearts that Corrib Basketball extend our deepest condolences to the Bowden family following the tragic loss of Una, Ciara and Saoirse.
"Una was club secretary last year and Saoirse played with our U9 girls, and their heart breaking loss has left us all profoundly saddened and shocked.
"During this time of immense grief, let us come together to offer support, comfort, and strength to one another. The club have a grief councillor available to assist anyone that would like support at this sad time."
Local hurling club Cumann Iománaíochta Mhaigh Cuilinn added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with dad and husband David, their extended family, friends, teammates and neighbours of the Bowden family.
"We send them all our love and support at this very difficult time.
"Due to yesterday's tragic events and as a mark of respect to Una Bowden and her two daughters, Ciara and Saoirse, there will be no juvenile hurling activity this weekend."
Oughterard Rugby also paid tribute, saying: "Our thoughts and prayers in Oughterard Rugby are with dad and husband David, their extended family, friends, teammates and neighbours of the Bowden family.
"We send them all our love and support at this very difficult time."
The fatal incident happened shortly before 2pm on Tuesday at Castlegar, a short distance from Claremorris.
The driver of the lorry was not injured.
The N17 around Claremorris has reopened to traffic following the conclusion of a forensic examination at the crash site.
Gardaí investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident have appealed for witnesses, or motorists with camera footage that might assist the inquiry, to come forward.
The public has also been asked to refrain from sharing images of the crash site on social media.
The deaths bring to 54 the number of people who have died on Irish roads since the beginning of the year.
