- Bishop Monahan will lead a blessing of the roads ceremony today, outside of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis, in memory of the 242 human lives lost on the island’s roads in 2025, and for those who have died on roads to date in 2026.
- “The simple goal for every journey is to arrive safely … Our model can be the Good Samaritan” – Bishop Monahan
As people celebrate Saint Brigid’s public holiday this long weekend, Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe has asked all road users – especally young adults – to take extra care as collisions are more likely to occur over weekends.
Bishop Monahan said, “As people of faith, we are always eager to do what we can to safeguard life at all times – a God-given gift. Road deaths are preventable, and care, attention and vigilance ought to be applied by all road users: motorists, motorcyclists, e-scooters, cyclists and pedestrians.
“In a particular way for 2026, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are encouraging us to be fully attentive while driving, and never to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to slow down and drive within posted speed limits or at a speed appropriate to prevailing conditions, and to ensure that seatbelts are worn at all times. Each of us has a responsibility when we get behind the wheel to make sure we are not putting our own lives, or the lives of others, at risk. The simple goal for every journey is to arrive safely.
“I am asking all road users to always exercise caution when using our road system. Our model can be the Good Samaritan. Today I invite people of good faith to remember in prayer, with a minute’s silence, the 185 people in the South, and 57 in the North, who died on our roads in 2025.
“This heartbreaking loss of life deeply impacts the families and local communities involved. This evening I will lead a traditional blessing of the roads ceremony after 6.30pm Mass, outside of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis, in memory of the 242 human lives lost on the island’s roads last year, and for those who have died on roads in 2026. I invite parishes across the diocese to remember in prayer all those who have lost their lives in tragic circumstances, and to pray for the protection and safety of all road users.”
Bishop Monahan concluded, “In the words of an ancient Irish prayer from the 17th century, often said while embarking on a journey:
In ainm an Athar le bua,
In ainm an Mhic a d’fhulaing an phian,
In ainm an Spioraid Naoimh le neart,
Muire is a Mac linn inár dtriall. Áiméan!
“Holy Mother, hear our prayer,
Keep us in your loving care,
Whatever the perils of the way,
Let us not add to them this day.
So to our caution and attention,
We add a prayer for your protection,
To beg God’s blessing on this car,
To travel safely near and far.
Amen.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Sources for road safety information are An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.