Ardee Mourns as Funeral Details Announced for Crash Victims
By ArdeePost Reporter
‘Missed Beyond Words’: Ardee and Border Communities Unite in Grief as Funeral Details Announced for Crash Victims
Funeral arrangements have been announced for three of the five young people who tragically lost their lives in Saturday night’s devastating collision on the Dundalk to Ardee road. The victims — Chloe McGee (23), Carrickmacross; Shay Duffy (21), Carrickmacross; Alan McCluskey (23), Drumconrath; Dylan Commins (23), Ardee; and Chloe Hipson (21), Lanarkshire, Scotland — were travelling together in a Volkswagen Golf on their way to Dundalk for a night out when the crash occurred shortly after 9pm.
A sixth young man, also in his 20s, survived with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been discharged. Two further people travelling in a second vehicle remain in hospital, where they are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The grief felt across Ardee, Carrickmacross, Drumconrath, and Aughnamullen has been described as “immeasurable,” with hundreds attending candlelit vigils last night to honour the five friends.
Funeral Arrangements for the Victims
💜 Chloe McGee (23), Carrickmacross
Chloe will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Her RIP.ie notice reads:
“Missed beyond words by her parents Kieran and Eileen, her siblings Stephen (Laura), Aaron (Chloe) and Nicola (Padhraic)… her many friends, colleagues and students.”
- Reposing: At her home in Barnadonagh from 2pm daily
- Removal: Saturday morning
- Funeral Mass: 11am, St Joseph’s Church, Carrickmacross
- Burial: St Joseph’s Cemetery
Chloe was a beloved staff member at Ó Fiaich College, where students and colleagues are said to be “heartbroken” at her loss.
💙 Alan McCluskey (23), Drumconrath
Alan will lie in repose at his family home from 10am tomorrow.
- Removal: Friday
- Funeral Mass: 10am, St Peter and Paul’s Church, Drumconrath
- Burial: Drumconrath Cemetery
His notice reads:
“Alan will be forever remembered and greatly missed by his heartbroken family… and a large circle of great friends.”
Hundreds gathered at Drumconrath GFC last night, where the club flag flew at half-mast and photographs of Alan were displayed in tribute.
💛 Dylan Commins (23), Ardee
Dylan will repose at his home in Ardee tomorrow and Thursday between 4pm and 8pm.
- Removal: Friday
- Funeral Mass: Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Ardee
- Burial: Old St Mary’s Cemetery, Ardee
The community in Ardee has rallied around the Commins family, with locals gathering at Sean McDermott’s GFC for a moving candlelight vigil.
🕊️ Shay Duffy (21)
Shay will repose at his home, Mullyore, A81 W028, on Wednesday, 19th November, from 4pm until 8pm, Thursday, 20th November, from 4pm until 8pm & Friday, 21st November, from 4pm until 8pm.
House private on Saturday morning.
His notice reads:
“Shay, forever loved and missed beyond words by his heartbroken familys.”
Shay’s funeral cortège will leave his home on Saturday, 22nd November, proceeding to St. Patrick’s Church, Rockchapel, A81 KD72, arriving for Funeral Mass at 1pm followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.
💗 Chloe Hipson (21), Scotland
Arrangements for repatriation and funeral details for Chloe Hipson will be confirmed in due course. Her family in Lanarkshire are said to be “shattered” by news of the tragedy.
Hundreds Attend Vigils Across Ardee , Drumconrath & Monaghan
Three separate vigils were held last night in:
- Ardee
- Drumconrath
- Aughnamullen, Co Monaghan
In Ardee, Rev Dermot Clarke led prayers and reflections during a solemn candlelight service. People stood in silence, many embracing one another as the names of the five victims were read aloud.
In Drumconrath, Fr Finian Connaughton described the communities as “one family of five communities in complete shock,” adding that their presence proved that “something can be done — people can stand together.”
Vigils saw:
- Flags at half mast
- Candles and phone lights illuminating GAA pitches
- Music and prayers offered for the victims
- Tears, quiet embraces, and shared grief
A table displaying photographs of Alan McCluskey became a focal point for mourners.
Ongoing Garda Investigation
Gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision and have issued a renewed witness appeal.
Anyone with dash-cam or camera footage who travelled on the L3168 (Ardee Road) between 8.30pm and 9.15pm on Saturday, 15 November, is asked to come forward.
Contact:
- Dundalk Garda Station: 042 938 8400
- Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111
Communities United in Heartbreak
What happened on Saturday night has struck at the heart of multiple border communities — spanning Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Scotland.
Local clergy have said the grief is “unlike anything seen in years.”
Masses across the region today included prayers for the five victims and their bereaved families. This afternoon at 1pm, the annual remembrance Mass for road victims in St Augustine’s Church, Drogheda, will also honour the young lives lost.
As one mourner in Ardee said last night:
“There are no words. All we can do is stand here together.”