Saoirse Corrigan and her partner Shane GIlchrist died in the two car collision in Kells, County Meath on New Year’s Eve

A young couple in their 20s were among three dead who were killed in a car crash on New Year’s Eve.

Saoirse Corrigan and her partner Shane GIlchrist died in the two car collision in Kells, County Meath, The Sun reported.

A woman in her mid-20s, who was driving the second car, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and she was later pronounced dead.

Three children, who were travelling in the second car, two baby girls and a 12-year-old boy were also taken to hospital.

The boy remains in a serious condition but the girls’ injuries were said to be non-life threatening.

The horrifying crash means that 12 people have died on Ireland’s roads in crashes this week.

Tributes have poured in for the young couple.

One of Saoirse’s friends said: “I’m genuinely still speechless and in shock that you are no longer here. I genuinely don’t want to bring myself to believe it.

“Saoirse you were such a kind hearted caring beautiful soul god had no right to take you from family and friends you were too young.

“I won’t forget our conversation or memories or how sweet you were bringing me sweets to my hotel room Christmas in pollard and making my night by making me laugh so much.

“I hope you get the best bed up there but truly you should be still dancing with us here. You won’t be forgotten so much love Saoirse till we meet again.”

Another friend said Saoirse was “the most kind hearted soul to walk this earth”.

They said: “From the first day you walked into my salon the bond we grew. I would of never thought the last day you walked out of the salon would of been the last time to speak to you watch over your parents, your beautiful sisters and brother.

“Until we meet again. Fly high with the angels.”

Saoirse had recently posted on her Facebook to reveal she was starting her dream job as a teacher.

In a death notice, her family said: “The death has occurred, on Friday 31st December, of Saoirse Corrigan, Whitehall, Castlepollard, tragically, following an accident.

“Pre-deceased by her grandfather Michael. Deeply regretted by her loving mother Orlene, loving father Michael, Andy, Keri, brothers Cathal and Cillian, sisters Brónagh and Gráinne, grandparents Michael-John, Josephine and Beatrice, uncles, aunts, extended family, all the staff and students at St. Clare’s College, Ballyjamesduff and a wide circle of friends.

“May Saoirse’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.”

Her partner Shane’s death notice read: “The death has occurred on the 31st December of Shane Gilchrist, Castlepollard, tragically following an accident.

“Pre-deceased by his brother Joey. Deeply regretted by his loving mother Trisha, loving father David, brothers Luke, Bryan, Peter, sister Emma. Grandparents Johnny, Maureen, George and Imelda, uncles, aunts, extended family, the hurling community and a wide circle of friends.”

The two cars involved in the crash were said to have collided on the N52, just off the M3 at around 4:45pm on New Year’s Eve.

Saoirse was pronounced dead on the scene.

Shane was treated on the scene, but died on route to the Connolly Hospital.

The Gardai have launched an appeal for information and witnesses to the crash to come forward.

A garda spokesman said: “Kells Gardaí are investigating a 2 car fatal traffic collision on the N52, Lloyds, Kells, Co.Meath which occurred 31/12/2021 shortly after 4pm. Any person travelling in the area or with any information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Gardaí at Kells at 046 9280820.

“3 persons (2 female and 1 male all in their 20s were deceased), 3 children were taken to hospital for treatment. Gardaí have completed a forensic examination of the scene, investigations are ongoing.”