THE community of a small Mayo village has been left reeling as fresh tributes come in for two tragic teens.
Driver Harry Fagan, 19, and passenger James Daniels, 13, died in a horror collision between a tractor and their car as they headed to watch a football match.
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It occurred on the N83 at Levallyroe near the village of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, shortly after 8pm on Friday.
Harry’s 17-year-old brother, the front-seat passenger remains in hospital in a serious condition.
The driver of the tractor, a man in his 50’s, was taken to the same hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
It’s understood the car was travelling down a hill just as the tractor with bales on it pulled out onto the road.
The teens were on their way to watch a match at the nearby Cloonfad United football grounds.
New tributes have emerged since their tragic death was announced, with the club sharing a heartbreaking insight into the incident.
They wrote on Facebook: “As we gathered yesterday evening at our club grounds looking forward to another Senior game and both our boys and girls u11 teams just having completed their Friday evening schedule what unfolded has left the Cloonfad community in complete shock, numbness and disbelief.
“James Daniels was a member of our u14 squad that recently won the RDYSL Division One championship and he scored a number of goals during their campaign.
“James loved being with his teammates and friends and had a lovely friendly personality to match.”
They also noted that Harry had played for the club throughout his childhood, most notably in midfield as it was “his best”.
They continued: “Harry Fagan played for Cloonfad all the way through our underage program . Playing mostly in the midfield he always gave his best.
“Of course people involved in the game locally would be well aware of the Fagan name. They have given so much to our club in various different platforms and are so generous with their time to all local volunteer groups.
“Our hearts are broken for both families and we send our prayers and support to the Daniels, Cunniffe, Fagan, Moran and Reinhardt families.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”
The club also shared details of the football match the boys were heading to watch, revealing it was called off after a few minutes due to the news.
They said: “Our game last evening was only a few minutes old when it was abandoned and we thank referee Aiyo Bolarinwa for his quick judgement.
“Deepest gratitude also to our friends at Skyvalley Rovers Football Club for their sincerity shown afterwards.”
Skyvalley Rovers also shared a tribute to the two teens following the devastating news.
They said: “Our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of these young men.
“A tragic loss, we are heartbroken for all in Cloonfad too. Our prayers are with you all.”
