Mass to remember those lost on our local roads

A SPECIAL memorial mass to remember those lost in road traffic accidents locally will take place in the Augustinian Church, Drogheda at 1.15pm on Sunday, November 19th.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims ( WDR) is commemorated internationally on the third Sunday of November each year to remember the many millions killed and injured on the world’s roads, together with their families, friends and many others who are also affected. It is also a day on which thanks is offered to the emergency services. The first one in Drogheda took place on November 19th 2006 and was initiated by local man Michael O’Neill and Fr Iggy O’Donovan from the Augustinian Church.

The date is a particularly poignant one for Michael as it marks the anniversary of the accident that claimed the life of Michael’s daughter Fiona (21) and her boyfriend Dominic Wogan (23). The pair had been due to fly out to Australia later that day when tragedy struck just a short distance from Fiona’s home in Monasterboice. The event is one which provides solace to hundreds of families throughout the area who gather to remember their local ones.

Commenting on road fatalities locally, Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer for Co Louth said: ‘Despite the number of fatalities on the country’s roads showing a reduction nationally of almost 20% this year compared to last year, this unfortunately has not been the case in Co Louth. 2017 has proven to be a bad year for road deaths in the county with 10 people having lost their lives already this year. I appeal to all road users to be cautious and extra vigilant every time they use the roads, particularly as we approach the winter months.’