Headford numb with shock and grief after road crash claims lives of two teenagers

The community in Headford is being described as being numb with shock and grief this afternoon, following the deaths of two young teenagers in a road crash.

14 year old Lucas Joyce and Kirsty Bohan died after the car they were travelling in hit a tree early yesterday morning.

Two other teenagers remain in a serious condition.

There’s a sense of shock, disbelief and grief in the local community today as Headford struggles to come to terms with the tragedy that unfolded yesterday morning.

14-year-olds Kirsty Bohan, from Headford, and Lucas Joyce from Annaghdown, died when the car they were travelling in hit at tree.

The single vehicle incident happened at around 5.45am on the L6127 at Glennagarraun in the Ballyfruit area.

Two of their friends, a 14-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, were also severely injured in the crash and remain in a serious condition.

Local priest, Fr Ray Flaherty says the community is numb today – and the tragedy will have a ripple effect.

Local Councillor Andrew Reddington says there’s a profound sense of grief in the area.

The Junior Transport Minister has described the deaths of Kirsty and Lucas as a ‘devastating tragedy’.

Jack Chambers says it’s shocked the entire country.

Kirsty and Lukas were students at Presentation College Headford, which is offering counselling services today to their friends and classmates.

In a letter sent by the school, parents are also being asked to monitor their child’s social media activity, to reinforce “the need to be extremely sensitive and careful about what they post”.

Gardai are appealing for anyone with information, especially those with dashcams to come forward as they continue to engage with the families of thse involved.

Amid the deep sense of shock and grief in Headford today, there’s no doubt that this tragedy will leave a mark on the local community forever.