A mum and her two daughters killed in a tragic motorway crash have been named. Una Bowden and her two young daughters, Ciara and Saoirse, were named locally, after they were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash after the vehicle they were in crashed head on with an articulated fuel lorry on the N17 at Castlegar, Co Mayo, on Monday afternoon. Mrs Bowden, from Moycullen, Co Galway, may have been heading towards her home of Donegal for the Easter holidays at the time of the crash,
Irish Mirror reports. Her husband, David, was abroad at the time of the crash but has since been informed. The couple ran a safari business together offering tours of national parks in Zambia , while Mr Bowden also works as a project manager with the
United Nations. Emergency services were called just before 2pm to the scene after Mrs Bowden's car crashed head on with the lorry. The lorry driver suffered injuries which were not life-threatening. Three killed including two children in horror collision in Mayo as
police shut major road The fatal scene on the N17 ( Image: PaulMealey) Neighbours paid tribute to the "wonderful family" with "the most beautiful children" who had lived in Moycullen for a number of years, and had recently moved into a new home just days earlier. Eldest daughter Ciara had been reportedly due to take part in an under-14s
basketball tournament on Easter Monday which has since been cancelled out of respect. Her sister, Saoirse, meanwhile was described as a talented Irish dancer. Father Peter Gannon, a local priest, said the community had been devastated by the news. “It’s a shock for the community. Everyone is just devastated again to hear of more fatalities. In the area we’re not alien to fatalities like that unfortunately,” he said. “It’s nothing great to claim for any community. It’s horrendous. Our thoughts on this Holy week are with the family who now have to carry a horrendous cross.” The horrific collision on N17 was the second in just over two weeks on the same kilometre stretch of road, after a woman and her elderly mother were involved in a three-vehicle crash on March 11. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the accident or those who may have dash-cam footage to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 9372080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.