Double road tragedy deeply shocks Kells and Carnaross

The tragic deaths of two popular local men in a collision outside Virginia on Wednesday night has shocked and devastated the north Meath communities of Kells and Carnaross. Friends Stephen Murray (27) and James Smith (35) both died in the crash between the van in which they were travelling and a car at Lisduff, on the N3 two miles south of Virginia, at 10.30pm last Wednesday evening. The driver of the car, retired St Patrick's Classical School, Navan, teacher, Richard Ball, suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries in the collision. He was taken by ambulance to Cavan General Hospital, but later transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, before being discharged on Friday. The road at the scene of the crash was closed and diversions put in place while Garda forensic investigators examined the vehicles and the road. Stephen Murray had been living at Riverside, Carnaross, with his partner, Stephanie, and four children, Owen, Amy, Jake and Lexie. He was a native of Kells. He had been busy making arrangements for his forthcoming wedding next year and had set a date exactly a year to the date from the night he died. Monsignor John Hanly, PP, Carnaross, said the couple were very happy and very much in love and described the deaths as a terrible tragedy. Stephen worked in the construction industry and was a wonderful father who worshipped the ground his children walked on. He didn't drink nor smoke and had a great love for quad biking and scrambling. He is survived by his partner and children and also by his parents, Michael and Lynette; his brothers, David, Michael, Jimmy, Joe and Declan, and sisters, Lynette and Catriona. The other crash victim, James Smith, Calliaghstown, Kells, was a gifted mechanic with a great passion for stock car racing and had competed in events in Ireland, Northern Ireland and England. He was considered a genius at fixing any kind of engine or machinery and loved restoring old cars. He was a talented artist, painting cars for exhibitions and could create anything by welding and woodwork. He was described as a gentle and kind young man, who was devoted to his family and particularly his young niece, Ciara, and was also known as an obliging and helpful friend and neighbour. He is survived by his parents, Joe and Kathleen; his sister, Elizabeth; brother-in-law, Joe Quaid, and niece, Ciara. The double tragedy has devastated the communities of Kells and Carnaross who turned out in large numbers for the removals and funerals of both men. Stephen Murray was buried in Kilsyre Cemetery on Saturday morning following his funeral Mass in Kilskyre Church and James Smith's funeral Mass took place in St Colmcille's Church, Kells, on Sunday morning prior to burial in St Colmcille's Cemetery. The cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Cllr Brian Curran, said the deaths were a terrible tragedy to hit any community and had devastated the area. He extended his sympathies to the Murray and Smith families. "I know both families. They are well-known and respected families in Kells and this has deeply shocked the entire community." He added that the people of the area have been rallying around the families since the accident. Last week's accident was the second tragedy to hit the Smith family. James's first cousin, Edward Smith, died in a traffic accident in Kells some 25 years ago.