A priest who gave last rites to a teenager killed in a road crash in Co Kilkenny on Wednesday night has said "words can't express the sadness" felt following the death of the young man.
The youth died in the single-vehicle collision in the townland of Dowling near Mullinavat in south Kilkenny at approximately 8pm.
A garda spokesman said the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene following the single vehicle collision and he was brought to University Hospital Waterford where a post-mortem will take place in due course.
READ MORE: Teenager killed and two men injured after horror crash in Co Kilkenny
Two other young men, aged in their 20s, were in the car at the time and they were brought to hospital for treatment for injuries.
One of the men remains in a serious but stable condition and the second man has injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.
Fr Paschal Moore expressed sympathies to the family and loves ones of the late teenager for the "devastating news" following the incident.
Fr Moore, from the Piltown parish, said it was "awful news" to get when he received the call to attend the scene.
"It's very shocking and sad. To have a young person lose their life is devastating," he said.
"God help their families, I prayed hard for them last night when I got home. There's a young life gone."
He said it was especially difficult as it comes ahead of Easter, "a time of year where families can be coming together".
Fr Moore added: "Words can't express the sadness that's going through those families and friends. It's a terrible pain."
A technical examination of the scene by Forensic Collision Investigators is currently taking place following the crash.
A witness appeal has been issued by gardai for anyone with information or who may have video footage.
The road was closed overnight and will remain closed for a number of hours on Thursday while local diversions are in place.
Anyone with information can contact Thomastown Garda Station 056 7754150 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
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