A mother and daughter who died in a car crash in Cork yesterday were on their way to do some last-minute Christmas shopping.

They have been named as Geraldine Clancy (58), and her daughter Louise (22).

It is understood their car clipped another vehicle, came off the road and ended up in a small river.

Her father drove to the scene to try and help the victims without knowing his family was involved, The Irish Independent reported.

Noel Clancy was there when his wife and daughter were given the last rites, the newspaper added. 

University College Cork says it is deeply saddened to learn of the death of student Louise.

The University flag will fly at half-mast in the Main Quadrangle today as a mark of respect.

Neighbour and family friend Frank O'Flynn, a councillor, told The Irish Mirror there was a "dark cloud" over the community.

He said: "We are literally numbed, in a deep state of shock I would say. No one can believe this has happened.

"I can't even begin to imagine what Noel and the family are going through."

A woman driving the other car involved in the crash was not seriously injured.