Tributes pour in as Inishowen rests under a 'veil of sorrow’ following double tragedy

With Inishowen under a ‘veil of sorrow’, the remains of friends Alana Harkin and Thomas Gallagher will be released to their families later today.

The 18-year-old pals were killed in a road traffic accident near Gleneely in the early hours of Monday morning.

The Seat Ibiza car in which they were traveling crashed at Terrawee, Gleneely at around 12.30am.

Alana and Thomas were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third male teenager was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

A fourth person, a young woman, was only just dropped off at her home in the Glengad area minutes before the horror crash.

Alana Harkin had finished a nightshift at Simpson’s Bar and Restaurant in Carndonagh and was on her way home when tragedy struck.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we lost our dear friend and colleague.” Simpson’s wrote in a tribute.

“Alana had a smile that would brighten up any room, she was always so bubbly and friendly, she will always have a special place in our hearts and will be sorely missed by all.”

Simpson’s also wished their colleague Patrick a speedy recovery and the premises will close on Friday as a mark of respect for then funerals of the crash victims.

Alana was a former student at Carndonagh Community School and completed her Leaving Certificate in the summer.

Thomas was in his Leaving Cert year and Moville Community College, where the school community has been numbed.

“The tragic news that greeted our community has had a profound impact on people we know and love,” Moville Community College Parents Association said,

“We are heartbroken for everyone who has been devastated by the loss of precious life.”

Fr Eddie Gallagher told parishioners at Mass in St. Pius X Church, Moville on Monday morning that ‘a veil of sorrow’ had come upon the parish as news of the horror crash filtered out.

The Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District, Councillor Terry Crossan, described the news as ‘absolutely horrendous’.

“It’s something that we have had too much of over the years,” Councillor Crossan said.  “It is such a tragic time.”

Gardaí in Buncrana continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”