Clonmel principal describes Zoey and Grace as 'two beautiful students loved by everyone'

The principal of a school attended by two Leaving Certificate students who died in the Clonmel road collision has described the girls as "two beautiful students loved by everyone who met them". 

Principal Michael O’Loughlin of Presentation Secondary School addressed the media this afternoon to make a statement about his students, Zoey Coffey and Grace McSweeney. 

He said, "Today, our school and our town are covered in a cloud of sadness and devastation. 

"This morning we mourn the loss of our Leaving Certificate students Zoey Coffey and Grace McSweeney who lost their lives in yesterday’s tragic accident. We also remember Grace’s brother, Luke McSweeney and Nicole Murphy, a student from our neighbouring school Loreto.

"Zoey and Grace received their Leaving Cert results yesterday and were about to embark on a new chapter in their lives. A day of celebration is now replaced by unbearable grief and a sense of  great loss for our local community. Our school community is in mourning today.

"No words can express our sorrow, pain, and grief. Zoey and Grace were two beautiful students loved by everyone who met them and achieved such excellent results on Friday. Both girls were absolutely thrilled with their results and were looking forward to new, exciting times ahead." 

Describing Grace, who he called "a gentle and kind person", he said, "She was thoughtful, considerate, and hard working.   Grace was a gifted gymnast and dancer, and a very good student who had a positive impact on everyone she encountered." 

He described Zoey as someone with a "warm and vibrant" personality. 

He said, "She was funny, kind and determined. Zoey was a diligent worker and was very popular with her peers and her teachers. She was central in all aspects of school life in Presentation." 

He continued: "The staff, students, and members of the Board of Management of Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel are devastated by this terrible news. We want to express our sincere sympathy to the Coffey/Fraher, McSweeney and Murphy families. Our thoughts and prayers are with Loreto Secondary School and the CBS High School communities who have also been deeply affected by this tragedy.

"Psychologists from NEPS will be supporting our school community over the coming days. The school is open to our students and their families for support, advice and guidance.

"In gathering together, we want to hold one another, to grieve and to offer support. And as a Catholic school, we want to be together and to feel the closeness of God who cares for us."