May they rest in peace.

The two casualties of a bus collision in Monkstown yesterday have been named as Father Con Cronin and bus driver Mark Wills.

Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the incident in which the driver appeared to lose control of the vehicle before crashing into several cars, and fatally injuring priest Con Cronin.

Tributes to both men have been posted online, with many of Fr. Cronin’s fellow priests among the mourners.

Bishop of Achonry Paul Dempsey wrote: “Wishing all priests every blessing on this Feast of St. John Vianney. Thank you for your faithful service. This day is clouded with sadness as we remember Fr. Con Cronin RIP who died yesterday. We remember the bus driver also RIP. May the Lord comfort their families.”

Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork for the Church of Ireland wrote: “Having just learnt the name of the bus driver who died in Monkstown, County Cork today, I extend my deepest sympathy also to the family and friends of Mark Wills and to his colleagues at @Buseireann. May he rest in God’s peace.”

Other parishioners shared personal memories of Fr. Cronin.

Fr Con in 2013 baptising my son. Sadly taken from us in Monkstown today. RIP. A true man of the gospel. pic.twitter.com/vL2MXfMWUR

— Adrian Cronin (@acfunduro) August 3, 2021

Father Con. A proud Borlin man who had a deep love of this community and was always a great supporter of St.Colums. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam uasal. The club wish to extend heartfelt sympathies to the Cronin family during this difficult time. R.I.P pic.twitter.com/IBbOMusxNu

— St Colums GAA (@ColumsGAA) August 3, 2021

My little hometown lost a gentle giant in tragic circumstances today. Fr. Con Cronin was a hugely popular, funny, curious, entertaining, compassionate and kind man and was appreciated deeply by all who knew him. The poor bus driver, who also sadly died, is in my thoughts, too. https://t.co/vu0qlHJ6SY

— Mark Kelleher (@hzgchld) August 3, 2021

A vigil for the priest was held last night, with an attendance that only confirms how sorely the man will be missed in his community.

Father Con Cronin, the local parish priest, was killed in a tragic accident this morning.

This atheist would like to put it on record that we have lost one of the greatest people on Earth.

Footage from this evening's vigil, where we are all trying to get our heads around it. pic.twitter.com/k3oxRWB4i0

— Magic's Brother (@magicsbrother) August 3, 2021

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident. “Any road users who were travelling on the Strand Road between 1.15pm and 1.45pm this afternoon, and who may have camera footage (including dashcam), are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.”

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Togher Garda Station on 021 494 7120, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

Header image via St. Colums GAA