‘Small actions save lives’
Chief Superintendent in road safety appeal following bleak week on roads
“Each life lost represents not just a statistic, but a loved one - a parent, a child, a friend, a colleague, whose absence will be felt forever by family and friends.”
Those were the words of the Chief Superintendent for Cavan and Monaghan, Alan McGovern, following two fatal collision on local roads in the past week - in Smithborough and Shercock.
He’s appealing, once again, to motorists and all road users to take care. “Please slow down, put the phone away, never drive under the influence, and take responsibility not just for your own safety, but for the safety of everyone who shares the road with you,” said the head of the local garda division.
“Every journey, no matter how familiar, carries risk,” he warned.
“Speed, distraction, fatigue, alcohol or drugs, even a momentary lapse, can have irreversible consequences. Too often, collisions occur close to home, on roads we travel daily, where familiarity can breed complacency.”
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the deaths of two motorists over the past week in separate incidents.
The deaths of the two men concerned are an immeasurable loss to their families and communities.
Chief Supt McGovern extended his sympathies to the bereft families on behalf of the Gardaí.
“No words can ease the pain of such sudden loss, but our thoughts are very much with you. We also recognise the lasting impact these tragedies have on first responders, witnesses and entire communities,” he stated.
The funeral of Adrian Keenan, Fermoyle, Smithborough, Co Monaghan, took place Monday morning in St Mary’s Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Mr Keenan was the sole occupant of a car that crashed on the R187 between Monaghan and Rosslea, at Inishammon, Smithborough, on Wednesday, January 28. Aged in his 30s, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Separately, a man in his forties was killed in a two-vehicle collision involving a car and a lorry near Shercock on Monday morning.
He was father of six - David McBride (44), from Castlebellingham, Co Louth.
He was the driver of the car and, sadly, was pronounced dead at the scene. The lorry driver, a male in his 60s, was taken to hospital for assessment.
The road remained closed for some time after for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators but re-opened yesterday morning (Tuesday).
An online fundraiser has since been launched to support the McBride family.
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GoFundMe set up for dad of six killed in Cavan crash
Meanwhile, gardaí are appealing for witnesses to both incidents and are also seeking dash cam footage.
Chief Supt McGovern, meanwhile, assured that road safety enforcement will continue, with visible Garda patrols, checkpoints and targeted operations across the region.
“However, enforcement alone will never be enough,” said the Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern.
“Lasting change comes when individuals make conscious, everyday choices to drive with care and consideration.”
Speaking generally on road safety and not in relation to the latest accidents, he urged “each of us has a role to play” when it comes to road safety; parents setting an example for children, friends challenging risky behaviour and communities supporting safer road use.
“These small actions save lives,” he encouraged.
“As we move through the weeks ahead, I ask everyone to take an extra moment before turning the key, to consider the responsibility that comes with driving, and to remember that arriving a few minutes later is always better than not arriving at all.”
‘Charismatic personality’
Meanwhile, symbols of Adrian’s life were presented during his funeral mass on Monday - a photo of his family, to represent the joy and love that Adrian brought to them and memories shared among them, a photo of a tractor and farm, representing his live for land and machinery, a model house and tape measure symbolising his great skill for carpentry, and a photo of friends whom he valued deeply.
His funeral mass heard how his “charismatic personality” allowed him to “make friends wherever he went”.
Adrian is the cherished son of Sean and adored brother to Jacinta, John (Leanne), Eugene (Jeny) and Veronica. He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his heartbroken Dad; sisters, brothers and their partners; his nephews, Caleb, Aaron and Austin; his loving partner, Alannah; aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours, work colleagues, wide circle of friends.