In profile: The four women who died in Kildare crash

Ashling Middleton Ms Middleton (19) was a second-year student of English and Anthropology at NUI Maynooth. Originally from Rathcoole, Co Dublin, she grew up in a large housing estate in Coneyboro, Athy, Co Kildare.

Chermaine Carroll Ms Carroll (20) from Pollerton, Co Carlow, was a former student of Carlow Institute of Further Education and was working in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel for the past three-and-a-half years. The hotel described her as "always bubbly and a pleasure to work with". Gemma Nolan Ms Nolan (19) from Idrone Park, Co Carlow, was a second-year student of St Patrick's College, Co Carlow, and was studying social studies. She had worked in a local school for autistic children and had previously played accordion in the school band. She also had a part-time job in Dunnes Stores.

Niamh Doyle Ms Doyle (19) from Mount Leinster Park, Co Carlow, had recently been living in Co Waterford. She was the youngest of three children. Her brother Kevin is returning from Australia for her funeral.

The driver of the car the women were travelling in remains in Naas General Hospital, though she was not seriously injured.

She is from Co Carlow and still lives there. She finished as a student in St Leo's College 18 months ago and is believed to have been working in retail in Penneys in Carlow.

The two men travelling in the van were taken to Naas General Hospital. While both have been undergoing medical treatment, their injuries are not life threatening and they are expected to make a full recovery.

Both are from Poland and are believed to have been living and working in the Republic.