ROAD TRAGEDY 

Two teens killed in horror Mayo crash to be laid to rest at same time in separate funerals as families pay tributes

FUNERAL arrangements have been finalised for two beloved teenagers who lost their lives following a horror crash in Co Mayo last Sunday.

Cian Farrell, 18, and Padraic Tuffy, 19, sadly died in the single-car accident on the L5140 at Laghtadawannagh, on the outskirts of Ballina shortly after 4.15am on Sunday morning.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of Sunday morning when the car veered off the road into a ditch and then caught fire.

Gardai and emergency services raced to the crash scene, but the two young lads were sadly pronounced dead at the scene after their car crashed and burst into flames on a link road a short distance from Ballina.

Three other teens — two boys and a girl — were taken by ambulance to Mayo University Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Padraic of Station Road, Ballina will be laid to rest in Leigue Cemetery in Ballina on Saturday, followed by a Requiem Mass in St Muredach’s Cathedral at 11.30am.

Cian will lie in repose at the Church of Our Lady and St David in Naas on Friday at 10am.

It will be followed by a requiem mass that will take place in St Muredach’s Cathedral at 11:30am.

Funeral arrangements for the two friends were delayed due to the need for DNA analysis to positively identify the victims.

Tributes have been flooding in to Padraic and Cian as well as condolences to their families.

One friend has posted on RIP.ie saying that Padraic was “so excited” to have a song published on Spotify.

The young musician, eldest son of Seamus and Caroline Tuffy, is described in his death notice as “an amazing big brother” to his siblings Matthew and Kristen.

As well as his parents Padraic is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Michael and Chrissie Kelly.

One tribute to Padraic described him as “a beautiful young man” and “too good for this world.”

Someone else said: “He was such a kind, gentle person. He was a brilliant and incredibly talented artist, who was never afraid to express himself and always encouraged others to do the same. He is truly an inspiration.

“He had such an impact on the lives of everyone around him, and his loss will be felt heavily by many for a long time. May he rest in peace.”

Another mourner wrote: “Padraic was such a kind, compassionate soul. He always checked up on those during their hard times.

“We met at a music festival in 2023 and even then he still kept in contact with me, seeing how I was when I’d come up to Ballina.

“I’m heartbroken that time was robbed from him when his dreams were only starting to come true.”

Cian, described as “adored” and “a loving son”, is survived by his mother, Louise, and his brothers Mikey and Jimmy.

He was described in one condolence as “such a handsome boy with his curly mop of hair.”

Paying tributes, one mourner said: “Cian was such a kind-hearted young man, a great friend to all in primary school.

“It was never a dull day with him in the classroom. He always lit everyone’s day up in any room he walked in.”

Someone else added: “Many great times throughout primary school with you.

“You were always the main character of the class – no one could have a bad day when you were around with a big smile on your face. God rest your soul.”

Gardai are continuing with their request for witnesses to the fatal tragedy which occurred around 4.15am on Sunday morning.

A spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are asked to make it available to investigating Gardai.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”