Injured woman found unconscious on Co Mayo road remains critically ill

Gardaí do not believe woman (50s) was injured in hit and run or that she was assaulted

A Garda road closure close to the scene near Aclint Bridge in Ardee, Co Louth, after three women were killed and two men seriously injured in a road accident involving three cars. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 21, 2017. Gardai said one woman, aged 39, was driving one of the cars, and the two other women, aged 69 and 37, were passengers. See PA story ACCIDENT Deaths Ireland. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman with serious injuries on a remote road in Co Mayo at the weekend were still trying to establish what happened to her.

However, while the inquiry is in its early stages gardaí do not believe the woman was the victim of a hit and run or that she was assaulted. The victim, who is in her 50s and was found unresponsive by a passerby, remained critically ill in hospital on Monday.

The woman was found unconscious on the N5 near Cloggernagh, Islandeady at about 4am on Sunday. She was taken by ambulance from the scene — about halfway between Castlebar and Westport — to Mayo University Hospital where she remains in a serious condition.

“The cause of her injuries is unexplained at this time and the scene is preserved for forensic examination,” gardaí said in a statement.

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While the possibility she had been hit by a driver who then fled the scene was examined early in the inquiry, that possibility has now been ruled out. The incident is being investigated by gardaí from Castlebar who are appealing for witness.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda station on 094 90308200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Conor Lally

Conor Lally

Conor Lally is Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times