Dark day on Galway roads as five die in two separate crashes

A member of the Garda Accident Investigation Team tapes flowers in memory of the four students who died in the accident which occurred between Milltown and Ballindine. Picture: Philip Cloherty.

By Richie Mccarthy

Galway was reeling last evening after a day of horror on the roads on Tuesday which saw five people die in two separate accidents in a twelve-hour period.

Four young students died when the car they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision with a pick-up truck between Milltown and Ballindine, while earlier in Williamstown, a grandmother in her fifties died when her car went out of control and crashed into a house.

The arts students from NUIG who lost their lives have been named locally as 20-year-old Sarah Beirne from Headford a third year BA Gaeilge and Geography student; 19-year-old Teresa Molloy a third year student of the BA Gaeilge agus Léann an Aistriúcháin (Irish and Translation Studies) from Leitir Móir; 19-year-old Marie Conneely also in third year BA Gaeilge agus Léann an Aistriúcháin (Irish and Translation Studies) from Baile na hAbannn; and 19-year-old Sorcha Rose McLoughlin, a second year BA Geography and Applied Math Science and Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge (Irish Diploma) from Mulgannon in County Wexford.

The fifth woman and driver of the car, Michelle O'Donnell from Kilronan, Inis Mór, a third year BA Gaeilge agus Léann an Aistriúcháin (Irish and Translation Studies) student, survived the smash and is currently in a critical condition in Mayo General Hospital. The driver of the truck which collided with the students’ car was admitted to hospital on the night of the crash and was later discharged.

The Mayor of County Galway Tom McHugh said the accident happened on “a terribly bad bend on the road which is badly aligned, and it would have been very hazardous that night with the large amount of rain we’d had.

“People in the area are very upset and saddened by the loss, and I am terribly upset myself. It’s too bad that such an awful thing should happen. We don’t know what happened, and probably never will. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased.”

NUI Galway Students’ Union said they are saddened by the tragic accident, Donna Cummins, Students’ Union president, said: “The Students’ Union of NUI Galway is deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy that occurred on Tuesday evening where four students lost their lives. The student community is struggling to come to terms with this news and our thoughts and prayers go to the families, relatives, and friends of those who are grieving this terrible loss. The flag outside Aras na Mac Léinn is flying at half mast as a mark of respect for our lost friends. May they rest in peace.”

A statement from NUIG said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of the four NUI Galway students involved in the road traffic accident at Ballindine. The untimely death of our students has shocked the university community and we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to all of their families, classmates, and friends at this time. Out thoughts and prayers are with the fifth student involved, who is currently critically ill in Castlebar Hospital.

“The university wishes to express its heartfelt concern for all involved in this tragic accident. We will do all we can to support our students during this very difficult time.

“The University also wishes to express its appreciation for the many messages of sympathy received from other Institutions, members of the public and in particular the heartfelt message of sympathy received from President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

Ongoing support is being made available to students and staff affected by this terrible tragedy, through the University’s chaplaincy and counselling services, in addition to the support being provided by academic and other staff.”

The unfortunate crash brings road deaths in the county to a total of five in the same 24 hour period. The deaths of the four students follow that of Sally O'Brien from Knockauns East, a 58-year-old woman who died in a single car accident in Williamstown at lunchtime on Tuesday. Mrs O’Brien, a mother of 12 children, had been travelling with her grandchild, when the car she was driving crashed in to the front of a house. Gemma O’Brien, the woman’s five year old grandchild was injured in the crash and brought to University Hospital Galway. The child’s injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Following the day of road carnage, the Road Safety Authority is warning drivers and road users to be conscious of road conditions and to be extra alert.

A benefit concert due to take place in Salthill on Friday evening in aid of the Galway and Aran Lifeboats has been postponed as a mark of respect: “Galway RNLI extends its deepest sympathies to the families and communities of those who lost their lives in the accident. People who have purchased tickets for the concert are eligible for a refund, alternatively tickets will be valid for the rescheduled concert, expected to take place some time in February or March 2010.”

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