A man and woman in their 70s and 80s who were killed in a two-car crash in Co Louth yesterday have been remembered as “two peas in a pod” who were “integral” to their local community.
They have been named as 86-year-old Robert Marks and his wife Kathleen, who was in her 70s, from Ballagan, Greenore in Louth, reports RTE.
The two-car crash occurred on the R173, The Bush, at around 3.10pm yesterday.
The driver and passenger of the second car, a man and woman both aged in their 30s, were airlifted to Beaumont Hospital and the Mater Hospital in Dublin, reports RTE.
The road was closed for a technical examination but has since reopened.
Mr Marks was an honorary president and lifelong member of the Cooley Kickhams GAA club, and all matches there have been cancelled this weekend following the deaths, reports RTE.
A spokesperson for the club said the couple were a big part of their community, never missed a match and were always together “like two peas in a pod.”
He said the couple would be sadly missed, reports RTE.
“Robert and Kathleen were an integral part of their family’s lives and of the Cooley Kickhams community, and they will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing them,” the club said.
“Robert held many roles within Cooley Kickhams over the years and was always someone who could be relied upon for sound advice, guidance and unwavering support, both on and off the pitch, reports RTE.
“His vast experience and knowledge, particularly from his time as Chairman, made him an invaluable figure within our club.
“Indeed, I believe that Robert and his son Sean hold the unique distinction of being the only father and son to have served as Chairmen of Cooley Kickhams,” reports RTE.
The club described them as “devoted supporters” who attended “as many matches as possible, regardless of the circumstances.”
The club added: “Their loyal presence on the sidelines became a familiar and cherished sight. We will also greatly miss Robert’s attendance at our weekly lotto draws, where his wit, humour and remarkable knowledge of Louth football were always evident and enjoyed by everyone present,” reports RTE.
“They will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all at Cooley Kickhams.”
The deaths bring to four the number of people killed in road crashes in Ireland yesterday, reports RTE.
A 24-year-old woman from Co Tipperary was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Belfast and a man in his 50s died in a single-vehicle crash in Co Tipperary.
So far this year, 100 people have died on Irish roads, compared to 90 for the same period last year, reports RTE.
In Northern Ireland, 39 people have died on roads, compared to 27 for the same period in 2025, reports RTE.
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