A DOUBLE tragedy occurred in Co Kerry yesterday (Monday) when two American tourists died after falling from a pony and trap near the Gap of Dunloe outside Killarney.

The tragic accident, which involved a couple from Arizona who were believed to be in their 50s and 60s, took place at around 2pm on Monday afternoon.

They have been named locally as Rosalyn Joy Few (64) and her partner Normand Larose (62).

It is understood the pony became startled for some reason and bolted on the road in the vicinity of Kate Kearney's restaurant and the Gap of Dunloe.

The trap overturned into a river rocky area several metres below the road level. It's understood that the trap overturned on top of the deceased couple.

Travelling in a separate trap some distance behind, was the couple's daughter and son-in-law and their two children. They did not witness the accident but came upon the most distressing scene. The emergency services were immediately called. Gardai, fire bridgade and Kerry Mountain Rescue teams were quickly on hand but the couple were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the trap was unharmed but treated for shock at the scene. A local veterinary surgeon was called and put down the pony which was badly injured.

The road was closed for a forensic road crash investigation in the aftermath of the tragedy and gardai issued a public appeal for witnesses.

Gardaí have also notified the Health and Safety Authority and a HSA spokesman said they would be liaising closely with gardaí to determine the exact cause of the incident.

It's believed that Kerry County Council will also carry out an investigation.

WIDESPREAD SHOCK

Speaking yesterday, Kerry independent TD Michael Healy-Rae told The Irish Field this afternoon: “On behalf of the local community, which is a very tight knit and close one, let me say that we are all very shocked and deeply saddened at today’s tragedy. The people involved are extremely experienced and have the highest standards of safety and care for people.

“It is an accident, just like a road accident, which happened completely out of the blue. It is just one of those very tragic things.”

Deputy Healy-Rae said that the accident happened above the popular Kate Kearney’s Restaurant on the road towards the scenic Gap of Dunloe. He said the entire thoughts of the community were with the families involved in the double tragedy.

Local Cllr. and Deputy Mayor of Kerry County Council, Patrick Connor-Scarteen (FG), described it as a shocking tragedy for those involved and the entire area.

"Safety is paramount with the jarveys. They are at it for generations and take pride in it. Generally it's safe. This is a terrible tragedy happening in one of Ireland's most iconic tourist destinations, the world famous Gap of Dunloe where you have Black Valley on one side and Beaufort on the other. The tour usually starts at Ross Castle in Killarney, then you can either travel in a boat or cycle or take the pony and traps through the Gap of Dunloe. We are all shocked and very saddened at this awful tragedy."