LISTEN: Grace and Luke McSweeney's mother thanks community for 'truly phenomenal' support

Grace and Luke McSweeney's mother has thanked the local community for their "truly phenomenal" support following the death of her children. 

Speaking to a packed congregation at St Peter and Paul's Church in Clonmel, Bridget McSweeney, remembered the families of Zoey Coffey and Nicole Murphy, who also lost their daughters in the collision on Mountain Road last Friday. 

She said, "My gratitude outweighs my sorrow. I feel compelled to come before you all here today to let you know the messages you sent from near and far were heard. The compassion shown to us during this time is overwhelming, and like many of you over the last week, I could not find the words. 

"I too find myself not able to find the words because 'thank you' feels inadequate. On behalf of Paul, Mark, David and myself, we will be forever in awe of our emergency services. 

"The Gardaí, the fire brigade, ambulances, hospital staff, your heroic efforts last Friday night when we lost Luke, Grace, Zoey and Nicole, four extraordinary young people. 

"The help and support that we have received from families, friends, neighbours, school clubs, shops and businesses of our town, the people of Clonmel, our communities and far beyond is truly phenomenal. We are all strong now because of you.

"Paul and myself were honoured to be the parents of Luke and Grace and are blessed to have them for so long." 

She continued: "Grace was gentle and very shy and always had to have a friend by her side. Luke was strong, not only in body but also in mind, and wanted to make a difference in the world. He wanted to make it a better place. Luke and Grace had wonderful friends and I thank them all for making Grace and Luke's life so fulfilled and wonderful. They were the happiest they could ever have been. 

"Luke strived to be the best version of himself and he encouraged everybody to do the same with Luke's code, eat well, stay fit and have faith. 

"Leave your sorrow behind here today and make the world a better place. 

"Thank you." 

A poem written by Bridget was also read out to the congregation by Luke and Grace's aunt, in which she says, "We envy the angels and all passed relatives up above that they have ye now and all their love. 

"But yea re with us here forever more in all we say, pray and do. 

"Though our hearts are broken and worn

"Til we meet again our angels, our loves

"Radiate your wonderful being with God and doves 

"Help us now as we face this path that's long 

"But be in no doubt that our love for ye it burns bright and it burns strong." 

Video footage: Faye Dorgan