Mayo crash victims are named locally

A road crash in Ballina on Monday night which claimed the lives of two young local men has plunged communities in north Mayo and west Sligo into deep sadness

Those who died have been named locally as Jack O’Hora (20) formerly from Castleconnor, Co. Sligo, a soldier home on leave from overseas duties with the British Army, and Ricky Langdon (28), St. Patrick’s Estate, Ballina.

A third male in the vehicle, believed to be an Audi A 6, which crashed into a tree, was seriously injured. He is recovering at Mayo University Hospital.

The impact occurred as the car was travelling towards Ballina, within the urban area, around 11 p.m.

Ballina based Supt Joe Doherty, who visited the crash scene close to the Costcutter Store on the Killala Road, Ballina, expressed his deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased.

Appealing for witnesses to the collision, Supt. Doherty also asked that any motorists with dashcam footage which might prove evidential to come forward.

Jack O’Hora played football with Castleconnor GAA Club in west Sligo before joining the British Army and was highly regarded locally. He received his secondary education at the local St. Muredach’s College.

It is understood he had been staying in Ballina while home on leave from military duties.

Priests of Ballina parish, in a joint statement, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other relatives of the deceased.”