A “loving father” and his “cherished son” have been identified as the two men who tragically lost their lives in a two-vehicle collision on Friday afternoon. The local community has named them as Peter Devlin and his son Loughlin Devlin.
The devastating incident, which also resulted in four other people being injured – including a baby and a woman in critical condition – is being described as an “unimaginable tragedy”. The collision, involving an Audi and a Mercedes, occurred on the Killylea Road in Co Armagh and was reported to emergency services just before 12.45pm on December 27.
A Requiem Mass for the late father and son will be held on New Year’s Day at noon, at the Church of St Joseph, Tynan. Parish priest, Father Sean Moore, expressed the community’s shock to the BBC, stating: “It is an awful shock to the community, the community is in total shock.”
Loughlin Devlin, a married father-of-one from Milford, is survived by his wife Shauna and son Brodie. His father, Peter, was a father-of-four. Family notices describe Loughlin as a “beloved husband to Shauna and loving father of Brodie, cherished son of Ursula and the late Peter and brother of Frankie, may they rest in peace”, reports Belfast Live.
Peter is remembered as a “beloved husband to Ursula (nee Guy) and loving father of Frankie and the late Loughlin and son of the late Sean and Brigid”.
In an emotional statement released on Saturday, Armagh city’s first citizen laid bare the community’s heartache as a horrific road accident plunged local families into mourning during this festive period. Councillor Sarah Duffy expressed her profound sorrow: “This Christmas season, which is meant to bring families together in joy and celebration, has been overshadowed by an unimaginable tragedy in our community. Today, we mourn the heartbreaking loss of lives due to a devastating road traffic collision.”
She continued, extending sympathies to those affected: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who are facing this pain, especially at this time of year. We cannot begin to comprehend the depth of their loss, and we stand with them in their grief.”
Duffy further praised the emergency responders: “I want to thank the emergency services, who responded swiftly and with immense professionalism under these difficult circumstances.”
Addressing the solemn topic of road safety during the holiday rush, the Mayor remarked: “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially during the holiday season when our roads are often busier. I urge everyone to take extra care, whether driving, cycling, or walking, and to ensure that we protect ourselves and those around us.” She concluded with a vow of communal solidarity: “As a community, we will come together to support those affected in the very sad times ahead”.
Local law enforcement confirmed the fatalities: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland can confirm that two men have sadly died following a two vehicle road traffic collision on the Killylea Road outside Killylea, County Armagh.”
Inspector Cherith Adair of the Collision Investigation Unit has released a statement following the tragic incident: “Police received a report shortly before 12:45pm yesterday, Friday 27th December, of a collision involving a dark grey Audi and a black Mercedes. Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from partner emergency services. Both men died at the scene. Four others, including a baby, were taken to hospital for medical treatment.”
The inspector is also calling for witnesses with her added plea: “Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances of the collision, and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage which could assist with our enquiries. You can call 101 and quote reference 740 of 27/12/24.”
