Tributes paid to Mullingar locals killed in Spanish crash

Tributes have been paid to the three people from Co Westmeath killed in a car crash in Spain.

Mark McCullagh, his partner Michaela Newcombe, and his sister-in-law Amy McCullagh were killed in the crash, which occurred near Malaga at around 2.30am on Sunday morning.

All three were from Mullingar.

A fourth Irish person was seriously injured in the two-vehicle collision.

The man, who is also from Mullingar, was taken to hospital for treatment.

A woman in her 60s, who was in the other vehicle, was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

The vehicles collided, with one plunging down an embankment on a stretch of the A-7 motorway.

Emergency services, including firefighters and police, attended the scene.

'The kindest, friendliest soul'

Ms Newcombe worked in a beauty salon in Mullingar, which closed today as a mark of respect.

In a post on Facebook, Havana Sun said she was "the first person to make everyone feel welcome and "the kindest, friendliest soul".

"But today, with broken hearts, we say goodbye to our beautiful Michaela

"The face and the heart of our salon.

"You loved this place, and this place loved you right back. It will always hold your laughter, your kindness, and your spirit.

"From now on, it won't just be our salon. It will always be a place that carries your memory."

A friend of Ms McCullagh paid tribute to her online, saying that was was "always the life of the party" and "always smiling".

'Heartbreaking day'

A priest in Mullingar, Fr Norman Allred yesterday said that "it's a heartbreaking day", adding that the community is praying for those involved in the crash.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee described the crash as "absolutely devastating".

"It is a tragic accident, a tragic incident, and the most important thing now is their families are supported and given every assistance possible."

Ms McEntee said her department and its teams in Malaga are providing that support.

Westmeath County Council held a minute's silence for those killed and injured at the start of its council meeting yesterday evening.