Young motorcyclist is killed following Co Donegal crash

It is understood the young man, who was aged 19, struck a car in the village of Killygordon at around 1.30pm.

Emergency services rushed to the crash site on the Railway Road outside the Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise building.

However, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is understood the young man worked at a local engineering company and had finished work on a half-day when the tragedy happened.

The road has been closed and diversions are in place.

The driver of the car is not believed to be seriously injured but is said to be deeply shocked.

Gardai remain at the scene and the road has been cordoned off.

The young man's identity has not yet been revealed until all relatives have been informed.

Local parish priest Fr Patsy Arkinson said his heart went out to all involved.

"This is a tragedy for everyone including this young man and his family but also to the other young woman involved who is deeply traumatised," he said.

"So many people are affected by this so close to Christmas.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them all especially this young man and his family."

This is the sixth person to be killed on Donegal's roads this year, the lowest since road safety records began.

It is also the sixth year out of the last eight in which a person has been killed on Donegal roads in the month of December.

Gardai and the Road Safety Authority recently launched the Christmas Road Safety Campaign for the county.

Road Safety Officer with Donegal County Council Brian O'Donnell appealed to motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution at all times.

"This is a very busy month for people and we would appeal to both motorists and pedestrians to act with caution behind the wheel and out walking on our roads at all times," he said.