Tributes have been paid to the family who lost their lives in a car crash in County Mayo on Tuesday.

47-year-old Una Bowden and her two young daughters Ciara Bowden (14) and Saoirse Bowden (9) died when the car they were travelling in collided with an articulated lorry on the N17 at Castlegar, near Claremorris.

On Newstalk Breakfast, family friend Adrian Devane said they would be missed enormously by everyone in their local community of Moycullen, County Galway.

“They were absolutely beautiful and the most engaging family in the village,” he said. 

“They were involved with everything.” 

Mr Devane offered his condolences to David Bowden, the victims’ husband and father, and the wider family. 

“We’re all praying for Una, Ciara and Saoirse,” he said. 

“Una and the girls moved in to Moycullen a number of years [ago] and settled into the community very quickly and got involved in all the sports in the village. 

“Gaelic, camogie, rugby, handball, art - you name it, the girls were involved and Una was very welcomed in the community.

“Her husband David worked away a lot and so she was embraced.” 

Mr Devane said the community has come together since news of the tragedy broke.

“When we got the news late on Tuesday evening, it started to filter around and it just caused a numbness in the village,” Mr Devane said. 

“Supports have been set up… with grief councillors, with the schools and the clubs for all parents, teachers and friends.” 

'We are losing far too many lives'

Yesterday, incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris offered his "sympathies" to those mourning the loss of the Bowdens. 

"I do know that at a time of tragedy, our country and our communities never fail to rally and support people in their grief," he said.

"Of course, on wider road safety issues, this is something I want to take a very active interest in.

"I am very conscious of the fact that we are losing far too many lives on our roads."

Last year, the Government promised new legislation to improve road safety in Ireland.