TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to a young farmer who died following a road traffic collision in the North yesterday.

Padraig McDonald (20) from Loughmacrory, Co Tyrone died after an incident involving three cars in Cookstown, Co Tyrone in the early hours of St Stephen’s Day.

Two teenagers have also suffered serious injuries following the crash, with other occupants of the multiple cars escaping injury.

The PSN confirmed that shortly before 12.40am yesterday, it received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the Drum Road between a silver Volkswagen Golf and a black Volkswagen Golf.

However, just minutes later, a black Vauxhall Corsa also “collided with one of the vehicles involved in the first collision”, explained Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson.

“The five occupants of the silver Golf reported injuries at the scene. Sadly, one man passed away in hospital a short time later. He was Padraig McDonald, aged 20 and from the Loughmacrory area,” the senior officer said.

“A boy aged in his late teens has sustained life-changing injuries, while a second boy in his late teens suffered serious facial injuries. The injuries to the other two occupants are not thought to be serious at this time.”

The occupants of the black Golf and black Corsa are not believed to have suffered serious injury.

In a tribute by Loch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa GAA club, they described Padraig as a keen farmer who came from a family “steeped” in the club.

“The committee, players and members of Loch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa CLG are saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of Padraig McDonald (RIP) after a road traffic accident last night,” the club said in a statement on social media.

“The beloved son of committee member Paddy and Kerry (nee Conway), brother of Pearse, Hanna, Shan and Daithi.

A selfless individual who offered help to many without expectation of praise or credit. Padraig will be greatly missed by his family, friends, the club and the wider community.

The club added that Padraig was a talented player in his underage days, winning back to back underage provincial titles.

Whilst he was no longer a player, he “maintained close links with the club, volunteering when called upon and continuing to give up his time for the community”.

The PSNI has appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision – or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage – to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 30 26/12/25.