Fatal motor cycle crash near Smithsboro

Gardai in Monaghan are investigating a fatal road traffic collision that occured between a car and a motor cycle at Lismeagh, Smithboro, Monaghan last night Friday, May 9.

The accident, which occurred at approximately 9pm claimed the life of the driver of the motorcycle, named locally as Dwane Miller (29) of Drumkelly, Annyalla, Castleblayney.

The incident, in which the driver and passenger of the car escaped without injury happened at Lismeagh, on the main Monaghan/Clones  Road, near the village of Smithboro.

The accident is made all the more tragic in that it is understood Mr Miller was on his way to attend the 12th annual “Gone But Not Forgotten” remembrance service at the Sacred Heart Church in Clones, held in memory of motor-cycle riders who have lost their lives while driving on the roads.

Motor cyclists who have lost their lives in road tragedies are named in a ‘Roll of Honour’  at the service,  including the famous Ulster rider,  Joey Dunlop.

Mr Miller was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Cavan mortuary where a post mortem will be carried out this morning.

The road was closed for a time to facilitate a Forensic Collision Examination and local diversions are in place.

Mr Miller's death comes after the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are urging motorcyclists, scooter and moped users to bike safely on the roads this summer following an almost 70% rise in motorcycle rider fatalities (up from 16 to 27) in 2013.

Motorcyclists are over-represented in collision statistics in Ireland: they represent less than 2% of licensed vehicles but 10% of road deaths.
 
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact the Gardai in Monaghan on 047 - 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.