The three Donegal women, including a mother and daughter, who died in a horrific overnight crash near Ardee in County Louth have been named.

The victims have been named as Margaret McGonigle (aged 69) from Castlereagh in Bruckless; her daughter, Mairead Munday, from Ballyloughan in Bruckless; and Rachel Battles, also from Ballyloughan in Bruckless, who are both in their 30s.

The mother, daughter and friend all died instantly following a three-car collision at about 1 o’clock this morning.

The three women had flown back from a holiday and were returning to Donegal from Dublin Airport when the collision occurred.

Two men were seriously serious injured and are in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

The N2 is closed between Ardee and Aclint Bridge to facilitate a forensic examination and will remain closed for the day.