Donegal community in shock as elderly siblings named as victims of horror crash

Two people killed in a road collision in Co Donegal have been named locally as an elderly brother and sister. PJ McGettigan and his sister Una, both in their 70s, died following the two car crash in the village of Kilmacrennan late on Wednesday evening.

A woman in her 40s, the driver of the second car, was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for serious injuries. However, the woman, who is from the Falcarragh area, is not understood to be in critical danger.

The scene of the collision remained closed overnight and for most of today as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators launched an investigation into the crash. The crash, which occurred at 11.50pm, took place on a sweeping bend on the N56 as motorists leave the village in the direction of Termon.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene and taken to the mortuary at Letterkenny University Hospital. Local coroner Dr Denis McCauley was notified immediately and arrangements have been made for post-mortem examinations.

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The remains of the two cars involved in the crash, a Dacia Duster and a Ford Focus, have now been taken from the scene.

Head of the Donegal Garda Traffic Corps, Inspector Seamus McGonigle, said he as appealing to anybody who may have been in the area to contact them.

He said "This is a busy road and the main road artery into West Donegal. We would appeal to anybody who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the incident or may have dashcam footage to get in touch. This was a tragic incident and we would appeal to anybody who was in the area between 11.30pm and midnight to get in touch."

Gardai at the scene of a fatal car crash where two people died on the N56 in Kilmacrennan, Co. Donegal
(Image: Joe Dunne)

The death of the brother and sister brings to eight the number of people who have been killed on Donegal roads so far this year. The total number of fatalities on Donegal roads for all of last year was ten.

Mr McGettigan, a former psychiatric nurse, was well-known in boxing circles and was a former coach with Carrigart Boxing Club. He was a father of three grown-up children.

His late sister previously worked in the Fruit of the Loom clothing factory and lived at Glen in Carrigart.

Local resident and former Garda Sergeant, James Trearty from Termon, said the entire community was in shock following the double death.

He said: "They were both very nice people and the entire community is just shocked and saddened by what has happened. They were heading into their twilight years and for this to happen is just heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this trying time."

The road into Kilmacrennan village reopened at 1pm this afternoon after investigators completed their investigation into the crash.

Gardai at the scene of a fatal car crash where two people died on the N56 in Kilmacrennan, Co. Donegal
(Image: Joe Dunne)

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 in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milford Garda Station on 074 915 3060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

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