The funerals of three teenagers killed in a road accident near Newry this week are taking place today.
The three were travelling in a car that collided with a lorry on the Belfast road at around 12.15 a.m. on Friday morning.
Mr Michael McManus (19), Stephen Haughey (17), and Mr Caomh McCarthy (19), all from Co Armagh, were killed when their car collided with a lorry on the main Belfast Road outside Newry, Co Down.
Father Kevin Donaghy, principal of St Patrick's Grammar School in Armagh, where Mr McManus studied, said: "He had just been accepted into Liverpool after working very hard to achieve that goal.
"He was unassuming but everyone was delighted to see him get on to that course.
"Michael was studious and yet at the same time heavily involved in football both for the school and his local club."
Stephen Haughey had also attended St Patrick's. He left a year ago to begin work as an electrician.
Mr McManus and Stephen Haughey lived close by in Armagh city, while Mr McCarthy was from the village of Markethill, a few miles outside.
The three teenagers were in a silver Peugeot 306 travelling north. Police and fire crews found them dead at the scene. Although the accident happened on a clear stretch of road, the route carries heavy cross-Border traffic.
Fire officer Mr Michael McAteer said: "It is very, very upsetting but our feelings pale into insignificance when we consider the feelings of the families, and indeed the local communities this morning who are waking up to discover that loved ones and friends are now dead."
A joint requiem mass is being held for 19-year-old Michael McManus and 17-year-old Stephen Haughey at Saint Patrick`s Cathedral in Armagh.
The funeral service for the other crash victim, 19-year-old Caomh McCarthy is being held at Saint Patrick`s parish church in Ballymacnab.