Lorry and bus drivers named locally after fatal Meath crash that left two others critically injured

The two men who were killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Co Meath on Monday have been named locally.

Lorry driver Wesley O’Reilly and Bus Éireann coach driver Paul Conway died in the crash at Gormanston Cross that has also left a mother and daughter fighting for their lives.

The two men, aged in their 40s and 50s respectively, died at the scene after the collision on the R132 at about 6.30am.

The driver of the car, a woman in her 40s, was taken to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin with serious injuries, while her teenage daughter was taken to Temple Street, also with serious injuries.

It is understood that up to 12 people on the bus also received treatment for their injuries.

The scene of the crash in Co Meath, involving a lorry, a bus, and a car, is fewer than 50km from where five people in their 20s died last week in Co Louth.

Emergency services remained at the scene throughout the day while gardaí implemented traffic diversions.

This brings to 161 the number of people killed on Irish roads this year, up seven compared to the same period in 2024, while the number of fatal accidents has also increased.

There have been 152 fatal road accidents as of yesterday, compared to 141 at this stage of November last year, according to official Garda statistics.

Jean O’Sullivan, CEO of Bus Éireann, said: “We are devastated by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of our Bus Éireann driver who has sadly lost his life, and with the family and friends of the driver of the other vehicle, who also passed away."

The loss of a colleague is a shock to everyone across Bus Éireann, and co-workers are devastated, she said.

"Our thoughts are also with our passengers and with the occupants of the third vehicle who have been injured and are receiving care in hospital," she said.

“At Bus Éireann, safety is our highest priority, and we, of course, are co-operating with the relevant authorities. We remain committed to supporting all those affected and assisting the authorities in every way we can.” 

Minister of state with responsibility for road safety, Seán Canney, said the "devastating incident" at Gormanstown Cross has "left me and the nation shocked and upset".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities of those involved, including our colleagues in Bus Éireann, as they try to cope with this tragic incident. The emergency services that are attending the scene today have my utmost admiration for their dedication and professionalism during these difficult times.”

Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, spoke of the “absolute devastation” in the Gormanston area following the crash.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Mr O’Rourke extended thoughts and prayers on behalf of the community to the families of the bereaved.

“It is absolutely devastating in the run-up to Christmas for people. I know there are a number of injuries as well, some of them serious, and just to wish them well. I know they are in the thoughts of the local community as well and hope that they make a full recovery. No one can imagine what it's like to get that call from the gardaí or the visit from the gardaí with notice that a loved one has been killed on the roads.”

Mr O’Rourke added that he knew the family of one of the bereaved and said it was a devastating loss for everyone involved.

“That road is a busy road, well used. Tens of thousands of people use it on a daily basis, including on the 101 bus. They use it without incident and then for a set of circumstances to arise where lives are lost, it is deeply tragic, and I know the communities where the two men are from will support the families at this difficult time.”