The community of Ballybay in Co Monaghan has been left devastated following the tragic deaths of husband and wife, Ronnie and Jean Hollinger.
The local couple who are aged in their 60s were pronounced dead at the scene on the N2 at Mullaghanee, following a fatal road traffic collision outside Castleblayney yesterday evening.
A passenger in the second car - a woman also aged in her 60s - was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where her condition is being described as critical.
Speaking to Northern Sound, local councillor Seamus Coyle described the news as "devastating."
He said that both Ronnie and Jean were "highly respected members of the local community" and that there is a sense of shock and heartbreak across the entire community and surrounding areas:
Meanwhile, a man aged in his 90s who was seriously injured in a road traffic collision in Co Monaghan on Wednesday evening has died.
Owen McKenna from Emyvale in Co Monaghan lost his life following a tragic incident which occurred on the N2 at Drumgeeny at 7pm, involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
The late Mr McKenna was initially taken to Cavan General Hospital for treatment but was transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda where he subsequently passed away from his injuries.
A technical examination of the scene has been completed by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N2 at Drumgeeny between 6:30pm and 7:15pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Investigations are ongoing.
