The Union of Students in Ireland wishes to express its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of four students who passed away in a road traffic accident in Athy last night, and to extend our hope for a full recovery for all those injured in the accident.

As families and friends mourn their loved ones today and in the days to come, the supporting and caring role of the whole student community, and the services of the Students’ Unions and colleges will come into their own and prove invaluable.

There isn’t a worse way to start the new year in college – but in times of such sorrow, the support of the college community is acutely needed by the people affected.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh n-anamacha.