AN uncle of one of two teenagers killed in a road crash in Co Down has spoken of the close bond between the young friends and told how "if you saw one, you saw the other".
Malachy McCourt said his nephew Eoin Farrell and James Miskelly were as "thick as thieves" and their deaths had left family and friends devastated.
The two students - both aged 17 - died when their car careered off the Kilbroney Road in Rostrevor and hit a wall, ending up in a field on Monday night.
The collision caused a fire in a nearby oil tank which spread to a house causing widespread devastation.
Their friend, Che Kane, last night remained in a critical condition in hospital following the crash.
The trio had attended St Mark's High School in Warrenpoint together and were studying heavy vehicle maintenance at the Southern Regional College in Newry.
Both Eoin and James are to be buried tomorrow. Requiem Mass for Eoin will be celebrated at 11am at St Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Rostrevor, followed by burial in Kilbroney Municipal Cemetery. Requiem Mass for James will be celebrated at 3.30pm at St Patrick's Parish Church in Mayobridge.
Last night Eoin Farrell's father Gerard paid tribute to the boys saying they had been inseparable friends who lived life to the full. Mr Farrell said he had lost a "great son" who "loved life".
Speaking earlier Eoin's uncle Malachy McCourt, chairman of St Bronagh's GAC in Rostrevor where his nephew played at under-age level, also described how the two young men had been "great friends".
"They were just young fellas who enjoyed life," he said.
"They were at college together and were as thick as thieves, if you saw one, you saw the other.
"They both shared the same interests and it's just very, very sad what has happened."
Mr McCourt said his nephew, who was from Rostrevor, had loved all aspects of farming from a young age.
"He was into farming and was always up helping his grandfather Art, he was just so into it and loved it," he said.
"After leaving St Mark's we went onto college to study and he was also a trainee at McAllister's in Newry where he was working alongside his other grandfather Alan Fearon.
"The two fellas he was with (at the time of the crash), they were all into the same thing.
"Eoin has so many friends, he was always the centre of everything. We were just saying last night when all his friends were here that if he were here, it wouldn't have been as quiet as it was.
"He was like any other 17-year-old, liked to have fun and enjoy himself but he was also a hard worker.
"He worked in a bar in Rostrevor as well and at times had three jobs going. He was due to celebrate his 18th birthday in three weeks' time and was making plans for that."
Mr McCourt added: "It's very hard and personal for the family. We are all very close and everyone knows everyone here so it's so difficult for all Eoin's family and friends."
Mr Miskelly, an apprentice mechanic, lived in nearby Mayobridge and was last night described as a "jovial character".
In a tribute to him, Mayobridge GAC - where the teenager had played under-age football - released a photograph of him as a young player.
In a statement, the club said it extended its "deepest sympathies to the Miskelly family on the passing of their beloved James".
"We have fond memories of a jovial character with a good and kind heart," he said.
"We also offer our condolences to the Farrell family on the passing of Eoin and indeed to our friends in the Rostrevor area and district.
"We also ask for you to pray for the recovery of Che and keep him and all the families concerned in your prayers and thoughts at this time."
The teenagers left St Mark's High School in June 2014 after five years of study.
In a statement, the school said their deaths had "left a huge void".
"Staff have fond memories of each of the boys and feel privileged and proud to have known and taught them," said the statement.
"Each of these boys contributed in their own special way to our community with their individual traits, personalities and love of life.
"The boys were both friendly and hard working and were so well thought of by their peers and entire staff."
