Three motorcyclists killed on Cork roads within the space of 72 hours 

A man in his 40s from North Cork yesterday became the third motorcyclist to die on Cork roads within the space of 72 hours.

The death toll on Cork roads so far in 2024 has reached 11 lives lost, according to figures provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána — just four fewer than the total for 2023.

The local community in Ballydesmond was left “completely numbed and saddened” by the death of the man from the locality, who was killed in an incident involving a motorbike and a truck near the North Cork village yesterday morning. The incident took place at Toureenfineen, near the Cork-Kerry border.

Shocked

The Fianna Fáil county councillor for the Kanturk Mallow Municipal District, Bernard Moynihan, described the tragedy as a very sad event and a complete shock for the tight-knit community.

“We are totally shocked, and the Ballydesmond community are completely numbed and saddened by the death,” said Mr Moynihan.

“They’re a lovely, hardworking family, decent people altogether.”

On Tuesday evening, a man in his mid-20s, Paul Harrington, was fatally injured in a collision with a van shortly before 6pm at Ballinahina, White’s Cross.

Gardaí, four units from Cork City Fire Brigade, and a team from the National Ambulance Service attended the scene.

Kilcully and Ballincrokig Residents Association chairwoman Joan Lewis said that community members were “heartbroken” following the incident, which came two weeks after a public protest calling for traffic-calming measures in the area.

“That’s the seventh fatality on that stretch of road, from Dublin Pike to Ballinahina, in the last 10 to 15 years,” she said. 

“Another life lost. The community is heartbroken.”

Condolences

Mr Harrington worked as an auto electrician for Wizer Energy and formerly Tim O’Keeffe Electrical. He is survived by his parents Declan and Margaret, sisters Olivia and Deirdre, and girlfriend Kamile.

Requiem Mass will be held at 10am on Saturday in the North Cathedral, followed by burial at St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully.

Condolences were offered to Mr Harrington’s family by community members and local councillors, with Independent north-east ward councillor Kenneth O’Flynn saying: “To the family, I offer my deepest condolences and unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time.” Green Party north-east ward councillor Oliver Moran said: “Everyone’s thoughts are with the family of the young man whose life is now lost.”

On Sunday evening, father-of-three Niall Murphy was fatally injured in a single-vehicle collision which occurred on the R579 at Glen South, Banteer, at around 6.45pm. Mr Murphy was on his way to his home in Wilton in Cork city after watching his rugby club, Highfield, play in Tipperary.

Mr Murphy will be laid to rest at St James’ Cemetery, Chetwynd, following requiem Mass today at 11am in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehy’s Cross.

Tragic

Cork city-based Chief Superintendent Thomas Myers said: “Following the tragic fatal road traffic collisions involving three motorcyclists over the last few days, An Garda Síochána very much recognise the human impact and devastation every road death has on families, on friends, and on communities.

“I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those who have suffered loss on our roads. One death on the road is one too many and I, along with my colleagues in An Garda Síochána, are impressing on all road users to drive safely, regularly check your speed, slow down, and please support us in our efforts to keep people safe on our roads.”