Tributes paid to teenager who died in tractor crash

Tributes have been paid to a teenage girl who lost her life after the tractor in which she travelled crashed in rural Cavan this week.

Keely McGivney from London was one of two teenagers travelling in the tractor at approximately 11pm on Tuesday night when it hit a ditch at Loughduff. The accident occurred on the L2514, a narrow local road close to Middletown Cross.

The 17-year-old was fatally injured in the crash. Emergency services attended the scene and her body was subsequently removed to the mortuary in Cavan General Hospital. A post mortem has been carried out.

The driver of the tractor, a male also aged in his late teens, was uninjured.

The road where the accident occurred was closed while Forensic Collision Investigators attended the scene, but it has since reopened.

Keely had just commenced her summer holidays and was staying with her extended family in Loughduff.

Keely routinely spent summer holidays with relatives on her mother's side in the area and made many friends locally through her annual trips. She was due to celebrate her 18th birthday with her Cavan friends in July.

Shock

The shock caused by the teenager’s death has been felt widely.

Deputy Brendan Smith of Fianna Fáil expressed his sadness at her passing.

"My thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends at this very difficult time.

"Knowing this community very well I know that they will give all possible support to the bereaved family, who are highly regarded and very popular, at this very difficult time."

His party colleague Deputy Niamh Smyth said it as "a very sad and difficult day" for all in the area.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family, relatives and friends who grieve the sudden tragic death of daughter and cousin Keely. Her premature death has cast a dark shadow of grief over her sorrowful and mourning community. May all find the strength and support they need at this incredibly challenging time."

This latest tragedy brings to four the number of people killed on Cavan’s roads so far this year.

Gardaí meanwhile are appealing for any witnesses, including those with dash cam footage who were travelling in the Loughduff area last night to make it available. Contact Cavan Garda station on 049 436 8800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.