The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has extended the condolences of the nation to everyone impacted by this week's tragedy in Co Monaghan. He was speaking as the community in Clones attended the funerals this afternoon of Dlava Mohamed and Kiea McCann who died after the car they were travelling in - to their debs in Monaghan town on Monday evening - crashed on the N54 at Legnakelly.
He said the debs was a milestone occasion in young people's lives. "The debs is one of those special occasions in our lives; a rite of passage that marks the transition from being a school child to being a young adult.
"And it's a time filled with opportunity and boundless hope. For these young lives to be cut short in such an untimely way and in such a tragic manner has gripped the nation. I want to extend my condolences to the family and to the wider community in Clones. My best wishes also to those in hospital and I hope they make a full recovery," added the Taoiseach.
Meanwhile, Dlava's funeral has concluded at Clonskeagh Mosque and she is making her final journey to Newcastle Muslin Cemetery for burial. Hundreds of people gathered at the mosque for the funeral service.
Shortly after 10 o'clock this morning, the cortege drove into the entrance of the mosque followed by her family and the bus carrying locals wishing to pay their respects. The young woman, who was entering Transition year at Largy College, had moved to Ireland a number of years ago.
Her sister Lilav Mohammed, added that Dlava's death has been devastating for her and the family. "It is so hard; I don't know how to describe it; it feels like my heart is living apart," she said.
