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Newry crash: Sister Marie Duddy and Sister Frances Forde killed Newry crash: Sister Marie Duddy and Sister Frances Forde killed
(34 minutes later)
The two nuns who died in a collision involving an unmarked police vehicle in County Down were Sister Marie Duddy and Sister Frances Forde.The two nuns who died in a collision involving an unmarked police vehicle in County Down were Sister Marie Duddy and Sister Frances Forde.
They died in a two-vehicle crash on the Belfast Road near the Derrycraw Road junction just before 09:30 BST on Tuesday.They died in a two-vehicle crash on the Belfast Road near the Derrycraw Road junction just before 09:30 BST on Tuesday.
Three policemen suffered minor injuries in the collision.Three policemen suffered minor injuries in the collision.
The nuns were members of the Sister of Mercy order based at Ballysillan House, Crumlin Road, Belfast.The nuns were members of the Sister of Mercy order based at Ballysillan House, Crumlin Road, Belfast.
In a statement, the northern province of the Mercy Order said they were "saddened and shocked" by the news.In a statement, the northern province of the Mercy Order said they were "saddened and shocked" by the news.
"We, their Mercy family, are struggling to cope with their sudden parting from us, we take comfort from the example of their lives, lived in the service of God and God's people," the statement said."We, their Mercy family, are struggling to cope with their sudden parting from us, we take comfort from the example of their lives, lived in the service of God and God's people," the statement said.
"We offer our heartfelt sympathies to Fr Brendan Duddy, (Society of Jesus) Milltown Park, Dublin, brother of Sister Marie and to Fr Peter Forde, pastor emeritus of St John's Parish, Belfast, and brother of Sister Frances, together with their families and friends.""We offer our heartfelt sympathies to Fr Brendan Duddy, (Society of Jesus) Milltown Park, Dublin, brother of Sister Marie and to Fr Peter Forde, pastor emeritus of St John's Parish, Belfast, and brother of Sister Frances, together with their families and friends."
The Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor extended his "deepest sympathy" to the family and friends of the two women.
"This sudden and shocking loss of life leaves an impact, not only upon all those who have known the sisters, but upon the wider community in which they served," he said.
"Over the years, these sisters have blessed the Church with ministries ranging from healthcare, education, spiritual guidance and cross community and inter-faith dialogue.
"I also offer my sympathy to the Sisters of Mercy who had gathered today for a convention in Dromantine."
The A1 road remains closed in both directions between the Outlet centre at Banbridge and Sheepbridge Road following the crash.The A1 road remains closed in both directions between the Outlet centre at Banbridge and Sheepbridge Road following the crash.
It is understood the women were travelling from Belfast to the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre on the Glen Road, Newry, when the crash happened.It is understood the women were travelling from Belfast to the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre on the Glen Road, Newry, when the crash happened.
The police ombudsman is investigating the incident.The police ombudsman is investigating the incident.
DangerousDangerous
SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley drove past the crash site as the police were closing the road.SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley drove past the crash site as the police were closing the road.
"It's a tragic accident," he said."It's a tragic accident," he said.
"Two people have lost their lives, that is very sad. Our roads are very dangerous.""Two people have lost their lives, that is very sad. Our roads are very dangerous."
Newry mayor Sinn Féin's Dáire Hughes said: "This is horrendous news, in particular, coming on the back of the deaths of a cyclist last week and a young man killed in a traffic incident near Carlingford last night.Newry mayor Sinn Féin's Dáire Hughes said: "This is horrendous news, in particular, coming on the back of the deaths of a cyclist last week and a young man killed in a traffic incident near Carlingford last night.
"The thoughts and prayers of the Newry and Mourne community are with the families and friends of those who have sadly lost their lives today.""The thoughts and prayers of the Newry and Mourne community are with the families and friends of those who have sadly lost their lives today."