Tributes to Scottish victim of Co Louth crash which claimed five lives

Tributes have been paid to the Scottish student who died in a crash in Ireland which claimed the lives of four other young people.

Chloe Hipson, 21, was among the five who died in the crash near Dundalk, Co Louth, on Saturday night.

South Lanarkshire College, where Ms Hipson studied before moving to Ireland, said students and staff are “deeply saddened” to hear of her death.

The group were travelling together in a Volkswagen Golf while on their way to Dundalk for a night out.

As well as Ms Hipson, who was from Bellshill in North Lanarkshire, those killed were: Chloe McGee, 23, and Shay Duffy, 21, both from Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan; Alan McCluskey, 23, from Drumconrath in Co Meath; and Dylan Commins, 23, from Ardee in Co Louth.

A sixth person who was in the car, also aged in his 20s, is receiving medical treatment in hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Ms Hipson’s former colege released a statement, saying: “Everyone at South Lanarkshire College is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Chloe Hipson.

“Chloe was a bright and dedicated student who studied on our Quantity Surveying programme and was highly regarded by all her classmates and staff at the College.

“Our thoughts are with Chloe’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

We would like to highlight that support is available at the College for all students and staff affected. Please speak with our Guidance and Support team in the Advice Centre if you would like to access support.

A number of amateur football teams in Lanarkshire have offered their condolences following Ms Hipson’s death.

North Motherwell FC, where her brother Ryan Hipson was a veteran player, said they would be holding a minute’s silence.

The club said: “Ryan you and your family have always held a special place in the hearts of everyone at NMFC and are very much still part of our football family, I am sure everyone will join me in sending our deepest condolences to you, Toni, Ryan, wee Tommy and all your family at this life-shattering time.”

Bellshill Amateurs FC posted on social media: “The club was devastated today to learn of the passing of Chloe Hipson, the younger sister of our own Ryan Hipson.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with Ryan and his family at this incredibly difficult time.

“Before our game on Saturday, we will show our respects to Chloe with a minute’s applause prior to kick-off.”

Amateur side Fir Park Corner FC said: “Everyone at Fir Park Corner would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chloe Hipson.

“Our thoughts are especially with Ryan Hipson, who played against us yesterday before receiving such devastating news. The whole football community stands with you.”

Friends also posted tributes on social media, with one describing her as “absolutely one of a kind, the funniest, most gorgeous girl in the land.”

The incident on Saturday night involved the Golf, which the group were travelling in, and a Toyota Land Cruiser, and happened on a road near Dundalk just after 9pm.

Two other people, a man and woman from the other vehicle, were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, for treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

Ireland’s premier Micheal Martin said he was “numbed and shocked” at the news, and deputy premier Simon Harris said a “veil of deep sadness” had come over the country.