'Forever united': Two victims who lost their lives in Dundalk crash are laid to rest

The names of five young people killed in a road crash in Co Louth will be now forever united together, a funeral for one of the victims has heard.

Chloe McGee, a 23-year-old teacher from Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan, died in the fatal collision near Dundalk last weekend along with her boyfriend Alan McCluskey, who was also 23 and from Drumconrath in Co Meath.

Their friends Dylan Commins, 23, from Ardee in Co Louth, Shay Duffy, 21, from Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan, and Chloe Hipson, 21, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland, were also killed.

The group was believed to have been on their way to socialise in Dundalk when the Volkswagen Golf they were in collided with another car.

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Another man travelling in the Golf, who was in his early 20s, was injured in the crash, as were a man and woman travelling in the other vehicle.

Hundreds of mourners joined Ms McGee’s family at St Joseph’s Church in Carrickmacross on Saturday morning, November 22, for her funeral mass. President of Ireland Catherine Connolly was among those who gathered to pay respects.

Symbols reflective of the young teacher’s life placed at the altar included a family photograph and also a picture of her and Mr McCluskey. The service heard the couple had recently returned from a holiday in Dubai.

Other items included a cowboy hat to symbolise Ms McGee’s love of country music and a passport representing her desire to explore the world.

Ms McGee was a teacher at O’Fiaich College in Dundalk.

In his homily, Monsignor Shane McCaughey said the crash had devastated the five families of those who had died.

“Five names that will be forever united when people recall the terrible events,” he said.

The cleric spoke of Ms McGee’s deep faith and also her “bubbly character, infectious laughter and smiles that could light up any room”.

Turning to her family, Monsignor McCaughey acknowledged that their hearts were broken.

“And yet, what I want to say today is ‘Thank God’,” he added.

“Thank God for 23 years of life, thank God for Chloe’s fun, for her joy, for her determination to overcome obstacles, for her willingness to achieve goals.

“Thank God for her energy, for her dancing and her teaching, for her charming smile and her radiant love.”

At the close of the service, Ms McGee’s brother Aaron paid emotional tribute.

“Just a second, one moment, a heartbeat, a breath, and the ordinary turned into the unthinkable,” he said.

“Now your name feels soft when spoken, as if everyone who says it is trying to hold it carefully, so it won’t break, Chloe.”

He described his sister and Mr McCluskey as “two hearts completely themselves” who found comfort in each other’s presence.

Speaking of his sister’s legacy, he added: “You left echoes in places you never meant to, empty chairs, unfinished plans, hands that still reach for you without thinking, but you also left a light in the laughter you gave so easily, in the way you made others feel seen, in the warmth that has outlived the moment you were taken.”

Ms McGee’s brother concluded: “We carry you forward, not as a shadow of loss, but as a quiet truth that life, even a short one, can be bright enough to change the people who loved you. Rest gently, Chloe.”

A service for Shay Duffy was also held this Saturday afternoon at Saint Patrick’s Church, Rockchapel in Co Monaghan. 

Symbol's reflective of the young man's life were brought to the altar, including a family photo, a photo of Shay and his girlfriend Zara, his work trousers, a photo of his cars, his brown boots, his watch, phone and aftershave and a photo of his late Grandads.

In a homily paid by Father Ben Hughes, he said at the young age of 21, Shay had lived a very full and impactful life, being warmly remembered and deeply loved by many and in particular by his dedicated parents Carmel, Raymond and his brothers Vinny and Ben.

The late man undertook an apprenticeship in plumbing, completing his studies in Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone and in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Shay successfully completed his training in practical skills and theoretical knowledge, qualifying him to work to the highest standard in this trade; as well as completing his RGI qualification, all of which happened under the loving supervision of his own father Raymond and the encouragement of his mother Carmel.  Fr Hughes called this a "truly a sacred story with Biblical sentiment."

The 21-year-old was described as a "genius" when it came to the restoration of cars and tractors. "This was his pride and joy..apart of course from the RM Williams Belt and the boots which he stylishly wore," the funeral heard. 

"In addition to Shay's professional qualifications, Shay was an initiator who was project driven, always on the go, confident and a problem solver.  What fine gifts … gifts that allowed Shay to make a contribution both here in this very church, in school and elsewhere."

In a Prayer of the Faithful read by someone close to the late man, it was said, "We thank God for Shay’s life, for the love, fun and laughter he brought to so many of our lives, he will always hold a special place in our hearts.  Lord, may Shay gently rest in your care until we are reunited in our heavenly home.  Lord, hear us."

The funerals for Mr McCluskey and Mr Commins took place on Friday. May they Rest in Peace.