PICTURED: Mother and daughters killed in Mayo crash as tributes continue

Gardaí have released a photograph of the woman and two children killed in a crash in Mayo on Tuesday with the consent of their family.

Una Bowden (47) and her daughters Ciara Bowden (14) and Saoirse Bowden (9) died when the car they were travelling in struck a truck on the N17 in Castlegar, Co. Mayo, on Tuesday, March 26.

Post mortems of the deceased took place on Wednesday morning at Mayo University Hospital. The results of these post mortems will not be released for operational reasons.

The family lived in the Moycullen area of Galway, but were believed to be returning to Donegal for an Easter visit at the time of the crash.

Raphoe and the east Donegal area were plunged into darkness as news emerged of the identity of those involved.

Una is a native of Raphoe and a former student at the Royal and Prior Comprehensive School.

The driver of the lorry was treated for shock. A van driver, whose evasive action saw him avoid colliding with the other vehicles and ended up in a ditch, was also treated for shock.

Both of the other motorists avoided serious injury.

Ms Bowden's husband, David Bowden, who is a native of Zambia, was abroad when he learned of the tragedy and made arrangements to return home.

The couple previously lived in Africa and ran a safari business and Mr Bowden also works with the United Nations as a project manager. He was in Ethiopia when the news was broken to him.

The bodies of the deceased woman and her two daughters were taken to Mayo University Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

Ms Bowden comes from a well-respected family in Raphoe. Her father John Carlin was the first Chairman of the Donegal Athletics Board in 1971.

Ms Bowden and her daughters were coming back to Donegal and planned to return to Galway in advance of an under-14 basketball tournament on Easter Monday, which Ciara was due to play in. The competition has since been cancelled as a mark of respect.

In a post this evening, local basketball club Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn said: "It is with enormous sadness that Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn has learned of the tragic deaths of our neighbours and clubmates Una, Ciara, and Saoirse Bowden. The Bowdens were active in many sports throughout our community.

"Ciara had been selected for the Galway Area girls under-14 basketball team. The thoughts and prayers of everyone in Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn are with the family, friends, and teammates of the Bowden family.

"We cannot possibly fathom their grief but we send them our love and support. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis."

Oughterard Rugby also paid tribute, saying that the Bowdens were active in many sports throughout the community.

"Our thoughts and prayers in Oughterard Rugby are with dad and husband David, their extended family, friends, teammates and neighbours of the Bowden family.

"We send them all our love and support at this very difficult time.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha."

Gardaí are still appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 9372080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”