Scottish student who died in Ireland crash was 'always smiling'

Chloe Hipson, 21, from Bellshill was killed in a two-vehicle crash near Dundalk

A young Scottish woman who was one of five people killed in a car crash in the Republic of Ireland was a "diligent student" who was always smiling, her college has said.

Chloe Hipson, 21, from Bellshill, was a passenger in the Volkswagen Golf involved in the two-vehicle crash near Dundalk, County Louth, on Saturday.

She was on her way to a night out with friends Chloe McGee, 23, Shay Duffy, 21, Alan McCluskey, 23 and Dylan Commins, 23 - all from Ireland - who also died in the crash.

Ms Hipson was in her second year at Dundalk Institute of Technology studying quantity surveying after moving to Ireland in April.

A spokesperson from the college said they were "heartbroken" to hear of her death.

They said: "Despite joining a class who had already had a year together, Chloe fitted in immediately and made great friends.

"She was a diligent student, who was very friendly and good humoured and always smiling. She will be remembered fondly by all of us who knew her."

A book of condolences for Ms Hipson has been set up in the college.

A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire College, where she previously studied, said she was a "bright and dedicated student", who was "highly regarded by all her classmates and staff at the college".

Support has been made available to any staff or students impacted.

Ms Hipson was one of six occupants travelling in a Volkswagen Golf which collided with another vehicle on the Ardee Road at Gibstown just after 21:00 (local time) on Saturday.

Five occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. A male in his 20s, was removed and taken to hospital for treatment of serious non-life-threatening injuries.

Two occupants of the other vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, were also taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

A book of condolence has been set up at Dundalk Institute of Technology

Gardaí Supt Charlie Armstrong said the incident will have a "deep impact on families and local communities" in Ireland, and here in Scotland.

Uddingston and Bellshill MSP, Stephanie Callaghan said she is "truly devastated".

She said: "As a mother, I know that words cannot capture, let alone ease, the depth of sadness and shock felt in the wake of this heart-breaking tragedy. Precious lives have been cut far too short.

"Myself, the Bellshill community, and all those beyond stand with you in grief and solidarity."

North Motherwell Football Club in North Lanarkshire also paid tribute to Ms Hipson, whose older brother previously played for the club.

In a post on social media, it said the Hipson family "have always held a special place in the hearts of everyone at NMFC and are very much still part of our football family".

They sent their "deepest condolences" to the family "at this life shattering time".

Bellshill Amateurs, where her brother currently plays, said the team was "devastated" to learn of Ms Hipson's death.

Both clubs will hold a minute's silence in memory of Ms Hipson, and to show their support for her family.

Amateur side Fir Park Corner FC said Ms Hipson's brother had played against them before he learned the news.

The club said: "The whole football community stands with you."

Friends also posted tributes on social media, with one describing Ms Hipson as "absolutely one of a kind, the funniest, most gorgeous girl in the land."

Gardaí (Irish police) at the scene of fatal road crash near Dundalk in County Louth