One of the cars fled the scene of the accident

Limerick nurse Áine O’Reilly, who was described as a ‘lovely, bright, vibrant, bubbly young woman’, was the sole occupant of one of the cars. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

O’Reilly was on her way to work when the collision happened at 11.10 pm on Friday.

The incident occurred on the N24, near Grange West, Boher, Co Limerick, with one of the cars leaving the scene of the accident.

Fine Gael councillor Noreen Stokes paid tribute to Ms O’Reilly yesterday morning (Monday, February 16), telling Newstalk Breakfast that a 'very dark cloud' has hung over Pallasgreen since Saturday morning.

"People are shocked," councillor Stokes confirmed, "A young woman going out to her job; she worked as a nurse with Shannon Doc, to get killed on her way to work. A lovely, bright, vibrant, bubbly young woman.

"It’s a tragic accident. Nobody wants to get that call that there has been a tragic accident, and their daughter has been killed, and the driver of the car has absconded."

Councillor Stokes added that Gardaí were 'still investigating' the matter and urged the public to respect Ms O’Reilly’s family’s privacy as they mourn the loss of their daughter and sister.

"Áine just lives probably less than a quarter of a mile away from me. A family very involved in the community; her Dad is a retired Garda, her mum, a retired teacher," Councillor Stokes went on.

"She has three siblings: Eoin, James and Conor. She would be very involved in dealing with her school friends. They were all great buddies, still up to date in their 30s and just enjoyed life. It is desperately sad for her family."

An Garda Síochána confirmed Sunday morning that they were 'following a definite line of inquiry' and extended thanks to the public for their assistance.

An RIP notice for Ms O’Reilly reads that she will repose at Ryan & Whites Funeral Home, Pallasgreen on Tuesday evening from 5 pm to 7 pm, and arrive at St John the Baptist Church, Nicker on Wednesday at 11 am for Requiem Mass at 11.30 am.