Woman dies in Killarney traffic accident

GARDAÍ have called for witnesses to a two-car collision in Lissivigeen on Monday, in which a 74-year-old woman died and a young man was seriously injured.

Mother-of-three Mary McLoughlin, a resident of Killarney who had previously lived in Millstreet and London, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Kerry, where she died a short time later.

The head-on collision happened on the N72 Killarney-to-Mallow road at around 2.25pm, not far from the roundabout at Lissivigeen. Both were the only occupants of the vehicles they were driving.

Gardaí, ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene. The other driver, a Rathmore man in his 20s, had to be airlifted to University Hospital Limerick.

GARDAÍ have appealed for witnesses after a 74-year-old woman died and a young man was seriously injured in a two-car collision in Lissivigeen, Killarney, on Monday.

The head-on collision happened on the N72 Killarney-to-Mallow road at around 2.25pm, not far from the roundabout at Lissivigeen. Gardaí, ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene.

Mary McLoughlin — a Ballydowney, Killarney resident who had previously lived in Millstreet and London — was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Kerry. The mother of three died a short time later.

The other driver, a Rathmore man in his 20s, was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick.

He is understood to be in a stable condition.

The full extent of his injuries are not yet known, with tests to be carried out over the coming days.

Both were the sole occupants of the vehicles they were driving.

The road was closed for approximately three-and-a-half hours to allow for a full forensic examination to take place.

Gardaí told The Kerryman that their investigation into the collision is continuing, and they have encouraged witnesses to come forward.

“The lady was driving a grey, Toyota Corolla hatchback, and was travelling towards Killarney from the Mallow direction,” Sergeant Gearóid Keating said.

“The man was driving in the opposite direction in a silver, Toyota Corolla saloon.

“It was a clear day, and we’re hopeful that someone witnessed the collision and would get in touch with the Gardaí as we continue our investigation”

Anyone who witnessed the incident and can supply information can do so by phoning Killarney Garda Station at (064) 667 1160 or Castleisland Garda Station at (066) 714 1204. Alternatively, you can phone the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666-111.

Speaking after the collision, Councillors Donal Grady and Michael Gleeson were among those to express their sympathies at Ms McLoughlin’s passing, and they both extended their best wishes to the injured driver.

Mary McLoughlin will repose at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney on Friday evening between 6pm to 8pm, before her removal to St Mary’s Cathedral.

Requiem Mass takes place on Saturday at 10.30am, with burial to take place in London.