Tributes pour in for Raphoe native Una and daughters after road tragedy

Tributes have poured in for the Raphoe native and her daughters who were killed in a horror crash in Mayo on Tuesday.

Una Bowden, a 47-year-old, and her daughters Ciara (14) and Saoirse (9) were on their way to Raphoe for an Easter visit when tragedy struck.

The collision occurred on the N17 at Castlegar, between Knock and Claremorris, in County Mayo shortly after 2pm on Tuesday.

The car being driven by Ms Bowden collided with an articulated fuel lorry.

Ms Bowden's husband, David Bowden, who is a native of Zambia, was abroad when he learned of the tragedy and made arrangements to return home.

Ms Bowden and her daughters were coming back to Donegal and planned to return to Galway in advance of an under-14 basketball tournament on Easter Monday, which Ciara was due to play in.

Her basketball club, Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn, has paid tribute.

“The Bowdens were active in many sports throughout our community,” the club said.

“Ciara had been selected for the Galway Area girls under-14 basketball team. The thoughts and prayers of everyone in Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn are with the family, friends, and teammates of the Bowden family.”

Oughterard Rugby club said: "Our thoughts and prayers in Oughterard Rugby are with dad and husband David, their extended family, friends, teammates and neighbours of the Bowden family.

"We send them all our love and support at this very difficult time.”

The Bowden family were also members of Cumann Iománaíochta Mhaigh Cuilinn, who have called off juvenile activity this weekend as a mark of respect.

The club said: “The Bowdens were active in many sports throughout the community and were members of Cumann Camógaíochta Mhaigh Cuilinn

“Our thoughts and prayers are with dad and husband David, their extended family, friends, teammates and neighbours of the Bowden family. We send them all our love and support at this very difficult time.”