Two people were killed and a third taken to hospital following a single-vehicle crash outside Castlerea in Co Roscommon in the early hours of Friday morning.
One of the deceased aged in his early 20s was named locally as Daniel Dolphin from Ballymote, Co Sligo. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed the woman, who had not been named as of Friday night, also lived in the town but was not originally from the area. She was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Gardaí said the third occupant of the car, a dark coloured Peugeot, was taken by ambulance to Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar where he was treated for injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening.
The incident occurred on what is considered locally as a dangerous bend on the R293 between Ballaghaderreen and Gorteen at Edmonstown Road at about 3.30am.
"The first thing is to express sympathy with the family and friends of the deceased," said Fine Gael councillor Gerard Mullaney. "The community woke up this morning to the devastating news that two people lost their lives in a tragic accident in the early morning. Everybody feels the pain from this devastating news."
Cllr Mullaney said the locality had been left in a state of shock throughout Friday as Garda forensic investigators examined the scene, which is thought to have been the site of a number of previous crashes.
Ballymote Celtic Football Club expressed its deepest condolences to the Dolphin family in an online post. "Daniel played underage football for the club and also played for the senior team. RIP Daniel."
Details of Mr Dolphin’s funeral, published on Friday evening, said he would be removed on Tuesday morning to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymote for funeral mass at noon. He is survived by his parents, sisters and brother.
Gardaí issued an appeal for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. They asked that any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and were travelling on the R293 at the time of the collision to make this footage available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Castelrea Garda station on 094-9621630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
