Tragic Donegal crash victims Alana Harkin and Thomas Gallagher
Alana Harkin and Thomas Gallagher, both 18, died when the car they were in left the road and crashed into an embankment at Gleneely around 12.30am.
It is understood the pair were returning home in a Seat Ibiza driving back to Gleneely after Alana had finished working at Simpson’s Bar and Restaurant in Carndonagh earlier in the evening.
A third person in the car, a young man in his late teens, was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital but his injuries are not understood to be life-threatening.
A fourth person in the car, another young woman, had earlier been dropped off at her home in Glengad.
Thomas was a sixth year secondary school pupil at Moville Community College who was studying for his Leaving Cert.
Alana had been a pupil at Carndonagh Community School and had sat her Leaving Cert last summer.
Their families are well-known and very well respected members of the local community.
The scene of the tragic crash at Gleneely, Co Donegal
A full Garda forensic investigation into the possible cause of the crash is ongoing.
Details of the young students’ respective funerals are due to be released later today.
Meanwhile, a note on Simpson’s Bar and Restaurant’s Facebook page paid tribute to their late colleague Alana.
It read: “It’s with a heavy heart that we lost our dear friend and colleague.
“Alana had a smile that would brighten up any room, she was always so bubbly and friendly, she will always have a special place in our hearts and will be sorely missed by all.
“We would like to send our deepest condolences to The Harkin & Gallagher families.”
As a mark of respect Simpsons Bar and Restaurant will be closed this Friday, November 10 and will reopen the next day Saturday, November 11.
The business also wished colleague Patrick a speedy recovery.
Alan and Thomas’ remains will leave Chapel of Rest at Mountaintop in Letterkenny today, Tuesday at 1pm going to their homes.
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