Two men critical after two-car crash
TWO men are fighting for their lives following a two-vehicle collision as the death toll on our roads has risen to 63.
The latest incident comes as the Road Traffic Bill was passed by the Oireachtas yesterday.
The collision on the M9 Southbound in Kilkenny happened at about 7.35pm on Thursday between junctions 8 and 9.
The male driver and his passenger, both in their 30s, were rushed to University Hospital Waterford with serious injuries. They are understood to be in a critical condition.
The male driver, 20s, of the second car involved in the crash is also receiving medical treatment for serious injuries at University Hospital Waterford.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.
Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to a young man from Co. Kerry who died in an accident on the N69 on Wednesday.
Passenger Vincent O’Doherty, 20, from Dirha, near Listowel, was pronounced dead at University Hospital Kerry after sustaining serious injuries in the two vehicle crash.
Vincent has been described as a passionate farmer who was studying at Pallaskenry Agricultural College in Limerick. He was also a talented footballer with Ballydonoghue GAA.
Councillor Mike Kennelly, a friend of Mr O’Doherty’s family, said the communities of Listowel and Ballydonoghue are in a state of ‘deep shock’.
He added: ‘It’s such a tragedy to hear about the loss of such a young life and it’s particularly heart-breaking when it hits your own community.’
Junior Minister Jack Chambers has welcomed the passage of the Road Traffic Bill, describing it as a ‘lifesaving legislation’.
It will ensure people who commit multiple offences on the same occasion will receive multiple sets of penalty points.
It also means mandatory drug testing will also be introduced following serious collisions, which is currently the case for alcohol.