TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to the three young men who died in a traffic collision in County Down over the weekend.
The men have been named locally as Peter Hughes, Conall Havern and Gavin Sloan.
The Co Down crash happened at around 5.30pm on Sunday on the A1 between Banbridge and Dromor – the main route between Belfast and Dublin.
The female driver of a Volkswagen also involved in the crash was taken to hospital for treatment for her injuries. Her injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
The Irish News reports that the young men, two aged 20 and one 19, had met in Queens University and were returning home after leaving off belongings at new accommodation.
Peter Hughes’ former school has paid tribute to the former head boy from Armagh.
In a statement the school said he was a “model pupil”.
Peter’s untimely death, at such a young and formative age, is shocking. The fond memories of all the community of St Paul’s of such a well-mannered, personable and diligent young man of huge integrity will be his legacy.
The thoughts and prayers of the community of St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook are with Peter’s parents, Paul and Sharon, and his sister Jennifer, and brothers Kevin and Ryan at this difficult time. We also remember, and pray for the families of Gavin Sloan and Conall Havern as they come to terms with their sad loss.
Queen’s GAA said its players were heartbroken by the loss of Peter, a talented member of the team.
School Principal of Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, where Conal Havern attended, said he was a popular pupil who performed very well in his A-Levels.
Gavin Sloan, from an area near Kilkeel, was described in The Irish News as a quiet, talented student who was studying law.
Local SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly said weather conditions in the area at the time of the incident led to “atrocious driving conditions”.
The PSNI said it is appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.
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