- Tomorrow, Saturday 2 May, Bishop Monahan will lead a road safety blessing outside of Saint Joseph’s Church in Ennis.
- Up to 29 April 2026, road safety figures indicate that 84 people have died on the island’s roads: 55 in the Republic, and 29 in the North.
Ahead of the May long weekend – in the North and South – Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe has made a particular plea to motorcyclists to take extra care on the roads.
Bishop Monahan said,”Sadly, in 2025, 29 motorcyclists, including both drivers and pillion passengers, died on roads in the Republic, while 195 motorcyclists were seriously injured in road traffic collisions. This week the Road Safety Authority published a report showing that between 2020 – 2024, 1,648 motorcyclists were admitted to hospital following a road traffic collision. 89% of those hospitalised were male. This data highlights the vulnerability of especially male motorcyclists. As was stated at the launch of the An Garda Síochána’s road policing campaign on Thursday, when a motorcyclist is involved in a road collision, the consequences can be catastrophic.”
“For each of us, our road use behaviour can be modelled on the Parable of the Good Samaritan: we need to respect and be kind the other – the stranger – who we meet on the road. Road rage should be replaced by respect for human dignity, and for human life. As long weekends are high risk road safety periods, and can also involve excessive alcohol consumption, I ask road users to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; to slow down and drive within posted speed limits, to take account of prevailing conditions; to ensure that seatbelts are worn at all times; and to never use a mobile phone while driving.
“Today, I invite parishioners to remember in prayer all who have died on our roads: motorcyclists, motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Road collision fatalities represent a heartbreaking loss of human life that deeply impact families and local communities for generations.
“Tomorrow, I will lead a traditional ‘Blessing of the Roads’ ceremony, after 7.00pm Mass, outside of Saint Joseph’s Church in Ennis, in memory of those who have lost their lives on the island’s roads. I will also invite parishes across the diocese 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
- The road safety information sources in this statement are the websites of An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
|