Updated 18:20
A community is in mourning following the death of three Donegal women in a road collision in County Louth overnight.
A six-year-old girl is in a serious condition following the three-vehicle crash, while a man in his 30s also suffered serious injuries.
The crash occurred south of Aclint Bridge in Ardee at approximately 1am this morning.
The injured people have been have been removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
The three women who died in the collision - the 39-year-old driver and two passengers aged 37 and 69 - were all travelling in one vehicle.
Gardaí in Ardee are investigating the incident.
Superintendent Fergus Treanor says the stretch of road where the accident happened is particularly dangerous.
He has appealed for anyone with information to get in contact.
“[We are appealing] for anybody who feels that they may have seen something that would be of interest in relation to the accident,” he said.
“It was half-twelve at night, I visited the scene myself there at 1am and I can tell you that the road was reasonably quiet.”
“But if there is somebody out there who feels that they have something to offer, we would appreciate it if they could contact us at Ardee Garda Station.”
Two of the women who died were from Bruckless in South Donegal - where Fr James Sweeney is the Parish Priest.
He said there is a level of support and resilience in the community which will be vital in the days ahead.
"Particularly in country parishes, communities are very good and they are even better in times of difficulty and sadness and tragedy and I have no doubt about it that this community will rally round and do whatever they can," he said.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has appealed to drivers to take care while driving on Irish roads.
This latest tragedy brings to 85 the number of fatalities on our countries roads so far this year.
The N2 is closed between Ardee and Aclint Bridge to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
The road will remain closed for the rest of the day and diversions are in place.
Gardaí are asking motorists using the M1 to divert at Junction 17 for Castleblayney.
Anyone with any information regarding the collision is asked to contact Ardee Garda Station 041 6871130, The Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
With reporting from Aisling Roche ...
