'Young men who brought warmth, laughter and joy to everyone'

The beautiful words of remembrance from staff at St Brigid’s College in Derry, the former school of both Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter-McLoone, was among many heartbreaking tributes paid over the past 48 hours.

Caoimhin Porter-McLoone will be laid to rest following Requiem Mass at St. Brigid’s Church, Carnhill at 11am on Saturday, while Daniel Cullen will be laid to rest following Requiem Mass at 12.15pm on Sunday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown.

It is understood both 18-year-olds and another friend, also aged 18, were returning home from a trip to Asda in Strabane when a collision occurred between the car they were in and a lorry in St Johnston on Tuesday night. The other young man, the driver of the car, was seriously injured and transferred from Altnagevin to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the collision at around 11.15pm. One of the young men was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other passenger was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

St Brigid's College wrote on Thursday about how the school community was “heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of two of our past pupils, Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter-McLoone whose lives were taken far too soon”.

"We remember Daniel and Caoimhin with great fondness and affection. They were both much loved members of our school family, young men who brought warmth, laughter and joy to everyone they encountered. Both boys always had a smile on their faces and their kindness, friendship and bright spirits left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing them.

“Out heartfelt and sincere condolences go out to their families, friends and all who loved them, may they find strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time, may Daniel and Caimhin rest in eternal peace.”

Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown meanwhile spoke of the devastation across the north west.

Bishop McKeown said his thoughts were with the families of the three young Shantallow men, and all those affected by the tragedy.

"Our first sympathy has to be with the families who have lost loved ones," he said.

“I’m also very conscious of the emergency services who have to deal with situations like that, go out and see difficult and tragic circumstances, and I’m also conscious how difficult life is for so many young people, and this must be very different for them to process as well. It shouldn’t be happening to 18 year olds. And I’m also conscious of the pressure it puts on our priests, who have to do the ordinary duties as well as comforting people at a time of almost unspeakable pain and loss when words are almost useless. It’s a very traumatising time for all.

"The city has been through many difficult things over the past number of decades and I know people will pull together.”

A flood of tributes to Daniel and Caoimhin have been shared over the past 48 hours.

Daniel’s colleagues at mechanical, electrical and renewable installation company, H&A posted that they were “deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of our colleague”.

"Daniel was a valued member of our Install team and a much-respected colleague. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him."

Meanwhile Caoimhin’s former primary school, St. Thérèse's, Lenamore recalled him as “a kind and caring boy who loved sports”.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this heartbreaking time. May he rest in peace," the school posted, adding: “We also remember his friend Daniel who also lost his life and another friend who remains critically ill at this time.”

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses, including those with footage, who were in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm to contact Letterkenny Station on (0035374) 9167100, the Confidential Line on 1800 666111, or any Garda Station.