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

The family of a lorry driver who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Meath on Monday morning have paid tribute to him online, saying he will be “sadly missed” following his unexpected death.

Wesley (Wes) O’Reilly, from Loughshinny and formerly of Finglas in Dublin, who was in his 40s, died in the incident, which also claimed the life of Bus Éireann coach driver Paul Conway, who was in his 50s and from Tallanstown, Co Louth.

A mother in her 40s and her teenage daughter are also in hospital with life-threatening injuries. The crash happened on the R132 in Gormanston at about 6.30am.

A message on RIP.ie said “O'Reilly, Wesley (Wes)-(Loughshinny and late of Finglas, Dublin) unexpectedly 24th of November 2025. Predeceased by his dad Brendan his brother Bren and his sister Margaret.

“Wes will be sadly missed by his loving family, mother Noeleen, his loving wife Nina, daughters Kirsty and Cody, son Ross, grandson Mason, his children's partners Craig, Mike and Ava, sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends."

Wesley (Wes) O'Reilly. Picture: RIP.ie

Mr O’Reilly's remains will repose at his home on Sunday evening, November 30, from 3pm to 5pm.

A funeral Mass will be held the following Monday at 10am in St Maur's Church in Rush, followed by burial in Whitestown Cemetery.

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

This brings the number of people killed on Irish roads this year to 161, 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 time last year, according to garda statistics.

Bus Éireann has confirmed that its driver Paul Conway also died in the collision.

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.”

The lorry driver, a man in his 40s, and the driver of the Bus Éireann vehicle, a man in his 50s, were pronounced dead at the scene. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the collision to contact them and have asked that any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam footage, and were travelling on the R132 at Gormanston between 5.45am and 6.45am to make it available to the Garda.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Local reaction 

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.” 

Gardaí at the scene where a road was closed near where a bus, lorry, and car collided in Gormanston Cross, Co Meath. Picture: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA

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.”