Tributes for couple killed in horrific Louth crash while ‘out enjoying sunshine’ as man & woman, 30s, fight for life

AN ELDERLY couple who died after their car was in collision with another vehicle have been remembered for their kindness.

The pensioners, named locally as Robert Marks, 86, and his wife Kathleen, 78, died when their Peugeot was involved in a crash with a Skoda.

The couple, from Greenore, Co Louth, were travelling from Dundalk to Carlingford when the collision took place shortly before 3.10pm on the R173, The Bush, on Thursday.

The man and woman, both in their 30s, in the other car were later transferred to the Mater and Beaumont hospitals in Dublin.

Both of them remain in a critical condition in hospital. It’s understood they are from the Omeath area.

So far this year, 100 people have lost their lives on Ireland’s roads.

A Garda family liaison officer has now been appointed to support the Marks family.

One source said: “This is a terrible tragedy for the Marks family who are well known in Co Louth.

“The couple were out enjoying the sunshine when this tragedy occurred.

“The other people injured in the crash remain in a critical condition in hospital.”

Tributes have been paid online to the couple, who have been described as “two of the kindest, warmest people you could ever have the privilege of knowing.”

Cooley Kickhams GAA club paid tribute to the couple, stating: “Robert and Kathleen were devoted supporters of Cooley Kickhams.”

The club added: “Together, they attended as many matches as possible, regardless of the circumstances, and their loyal presence on the sidelines became a familiar and cherished sight.

“We will also greatly miss Robert’s attendance at our weekly lotto draws, where his wit, humour and remarkable knowledge of Louth football were always evident and enjoyed by everyone present.”

Gardai have urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing to any witnesses or anyone travelling on the R173 between Dundalk and Carlingford, Co Louth, between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Thursday and who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, to contact Dundalk Garda station on 0429388400.”

The R173 road was closed after the crash but has since reopened.