Tributes Pouring In For Westmeath Malaga Victims

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 07:50

Michaela Newcombe is one of three young people who lost their lives in Spain on Sunday - photo credit: Facebook/Havana Sun Mullingar

Michaela Newcombe is being remembered as a warm and compassionate person.

A Westmeath community remains in shock after the deaths for three young people on holiday in Spain.

Amy McCullagh, Mark McCullagh, and Michaela Newcombe lost their lives in the early hours of Sunday morning after the car they were travelling in left the road and broke through a crash barrier near Malaga.

A fourth person, Ian McCullagh's been hospitalised with serious injuries after the crash.

Ms Newcombe worked at a beauty salon in Mullingar.

Her colleagues have written a heartfealt tribute to her:

It's time to write the words we never wanted to write.

Since yesterday, we hoped there had been a mistake.

We clung to the hope that the terrible news wasn't true.

But today, with broken hearts, we say goodbye to our beautiful Michaela The face and the heart of our salon.

The first person to make everyone feel welcome.

The kindest, friendliest soul. The keeper of everyone's secrets.

A sunshine lover. Always late, but somehow always arriving with the perfect hairstyle and a bag of wedges.

The one who would fight for the people she loved. You never made a fuss about yourself.

You'd be shocked to see how many hearts you've broken by leaving us, how many people miss you, and just how many people love you.

I only wish you knew how special you were to so many of us. Our salon will never be the same, and we won't even try to pretend it will be.

Councillor in the town Mick Dollard says people thought the world of her:

Meanwhile candles have been lit and prayers said for the three Irish victims.

Fr Norman Allred is a Priest in the Parish of Mullingar and says everyone in the area is trying to comfort each other:

Longford Westmeath TD for Sinn Fein Sorca Clarke says she's deeply saddened by the devastating news:

My heartfelt thoughts are with the families and loved ones who have received the most unimaginable news today. No words can ease the pain of such a loss. I want to acknowledge the efforts of the emergency services and medical teams who responded to this tragic incident. May those who have lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find strength and comfort in the support of the community.