Named locally as Laura Connolly, the 34-year-old was struck by a white van at 2.45am at Townparks on the N15 in Lifford. The vehicle failed to remain at the scene.

Emergency services were tasked to the scene close to the border and Ms Connolly was conveyed to Letterkenny University Hospital where she was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. A post-mortem examination is to be carried out.

A man in his 40s was arrested by gardaí yesterday afternoon in connection with the fatal hit and run.

Tributes have poured in for the popular and outgoing young woman. Laura’s heartbroken uncle, Andy Connolly, described his niece as “happy go lucky” and “bubbly” and whose tragic and sudden death has turned the world of her family “upside down”.

Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District councillor, Gerry Crawford said a shadow had been cast over the entire community.

“The passing of someone so young in such tragic circumstances will be widely felt. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and her many friends at this most difficult of times.”

His sentiments were echoed by Cllr Gary Doherty, who offered his condolences to Laura’s family.

“The entire community has woken this morning in a state of shock at this tragic news and we cannot imagine what her poor family are going through at this moment. Just devastating.”

Lifford Community Garden extended their sincere condolences to the family of Laura Connolly. In a post on their Facebook, a spokesperson wrote: “We were very blessed to have Laura and Joe as members a number of years ago and she was such a lady, kind and bubbly. May you rest in eternal peace Laura.”

Raphoe Boxing Club also paid tribute, where Laura’s partner Joe McCullagh, was a former boxer at Oakleaf and Ring Boxing Clubs.

“Our deepest sympathy to the Connolly and Brennan families.”

Traffic diversions were place and the scene was preserved for examination by scenes of crime officers and Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. The local Coroner has been notified.

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for witnesses to come forward and for anyone with video footage (including dash cam) from the scene and along this route to make it available to investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on  (074) 9167116 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Meanwhile, there was further sadness following the discovery of the body of a female in her 60s in the water in Teelin yesterday morning.

A garda spokesperson told the Donegal News they were investigating the circumstances following the discovery of the woman’s body.

“Her body has been removed to Letterkenny University Hospital where a post-mortem will take place at a later date.”