Memorial service to commemorate tragic deaths on Galway roads

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Galway Daily news Memorial service Portiuncula Hospital

People across Galway who have lost a loved to a tragedy on our roads are invited to come together for a memorial service with the Road Safety Authority in the city this weekend.

Sunday, November 18 marks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a UN initiative to remember victims of road collisions internationally.

When someone loses their life on the road, the impact of that crash is felt far and wide. Though 129 people have been killed on Irish road this year, thousands of people have had their lives changed by those deaths.

We must also keep in mind those that may survive a collision, but are left with life altering injuries.

To mark this day of remembrance, the RSA is hosting a memorial service at the Clayton Hotel this Sunday at 2pm.

Catherine Flaherty of the RSA said this day is not just about remembering the people that we’ve lost, “We also encourage people to consider the other preventable tragedies that will happen before the end of the year.”

“This year, we have tragically already seen 129 lives lost on our roads. That is 129 families and communities who are devastated by a loss this year in counties all over Ireland.”

“World Day of Remembrance serves as a stark reminder to us all to consider what we can do to prevent more loss of life on our roads this year,” she concluded.

At the ceremony, family members will have an opportunity to read a poem or prayer for their lost loved one, and a candle ceremony will give people a chance to mourn together.

The memorial service will also be attended by representatives of the RSA, An Garda Síochána, Emergency Services and road safety support organisations who know to well the tragedies that can happen on the road.

The ceremony will be followed by a light lunch. It’s open to all and anyone interested is encouraged to share this with friends and family across Galway.

If you would like to attend please contact Catherine Flaherty at cflaherty@rsa.ie or by phone (087) 2027034.