Two men named following fatal multi-vehicle collision in Gormanston

The two men who died in Monday morning’s multi-vehicle collision on the R132 at Gormanston have been named locally.

The men have been identified locally as Wesley O’Reilly, in his late 40s from Skerries, Co Dublin, and Paul Conway aged in his 50s from Tallanstown near Ardee, Co Louth

Mr O’Reilly was driving the lorry, and Mr Conway was operating the Bus Éireann Route 101 double-decker when the crash occurred shortly after 6.30am.

Several others were seriously injured, including the driver of the car, a woman in her 40s who was taken to Beaumont Hospital. A teenage girl travelling as a passenger in the car was brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda before being transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, where she is being treated for serious injuries.

A number of passengers from the Bus Éireann service were also taken to hospital with injuries understood to be non-life-threatening.

The R132 remained closed for much of the day as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out a technical examination.

Bus Éireann confirmed that one of its Route 101 services was involved in the collision. Services were diverted to the M1 for the day, with Gormanston stops suspended and alternative arrangements made through Bellewstown Cross.

In a statement, Jean O’Sullivan, CEO of Bus Éireann, said:

“We are devastated by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of our Bus Éireann driver who has sadly lost his life, and with the family and friends of the driver of the other vehicle who also passed away.

“The loss of a colleague is a shock to everyone across Bus Éireann – our thoughts are very much with our colleague’s family, friends and the many co-workers who are devastated at the loss. Our thoughts are also with the other driver’s family, with our passengers, and with the occupants of the third vehicle who have been injured and are receiving care in hospital.

“At Bus Éireann, safety is our highest priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. We remain committed to supporting all those affected and assisting the authorities in every way we can.”

Meath East Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke described the deaths as “devastating news” and extended his deepest sympathies to the families of both men. He thanked emergency services and wished a full recovery to those injured, noting that the crash comes just over a week after another fatal incident in Dundalk that claimed five young lives.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee described the reports from the scene as “utterly devastating.” She offered her thoughts and prayers to the families of the deceased, the injured woman and teenage girl, and all those affected, while thanking first responders for their work.

Minister for EU Affairs Thomas Byrne said he was “deeply shocked and saddened,” calling the collision “a heartbreaking tragedy for all those involved and their families.”

Independent Cllr Amanda Smith said it was "heartbreaking news" that has left the community "in shock." She also paid tribure to the emergency services who attended the scene.

Local councillor Sharon Tolan said she was “shocked and horrified,” describing the incident as “absolutely heartbreaking” for the community. She highlighted growing concerns about the number of serious and minor collisions in the area. “Something needs to be done. We can’t keep losing our loved ones, our friends, our neighbours on our roads,” she said.

Independent Senator Sharon Keogan said sirens were heard across the area early on Monday morning. “We’ve no words for this tragedy here this morning. It’s another dark day on our roads here, particularly in Meath and Louth,” she said.

Local Cllr Stephen McKee called it “a very dark day for the East Meath community,” and praised emergency services for their rapid response.

Meath County Council extended its sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased, saying its thoughts were with all those injured or impacted by the tragedy. The Council also thanked the Fire Service, Gardaí, ambulance personnel and all first responders for their work at what it described as a “devastating event.”

Cllr Carol Lennon urged the community to “lean into your supports” during an incredibly difficult time. Cllr Amanda Smith said the shock and sadness across the area were “overwhelming,” offering her condolences to all families affected.

The Gormanston Community Association said the village was “deeply shocked and saddened,” adding that its thoughts and prayers were with all families affected by the tragedy.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses, particularly motorists with dash-cam footage recorded between 5.45am and 6.45am, to come forward. Anyone with information can contact Ashbourne Garda Station on (01) 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.