Woman (24) dies after being struck by car in Co Galway

A 24-year-old woman was knocked down and killed instantly as she walked with her boyfriend along a rural road.

Tracey Melia (24) from Tumnahulla, Corrandulla, Co Galway was walking to her home alongside John McDonough (24) following an after-wedding celebration at a local pub when a passing car collided with them at Augcloggeen, Headford shortly after midnight on Sunday.

Emergency medical attention was summoned immediately, but Ms Melia was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr McDonough, from Kingston, Galway city, was taken by ambulance to University College Hospital Galway where his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The driver of the car, who is also understood to be from the local area, was uninjured but suffered from shock.

The road which is just off the N17, Galway to Tuam route, links the N17 with the Galway-Headford road. It was closed for several hours to facilitate a full examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Ms Melia was the eldest of two daughters of Hugh and Patricia Melia. She is also survived by her younger sister, Caitriona. She was an Arts graduate of NUI Galway and was doing further study.

A postmortem examination was due to take place at UCHG and an inquest will be held at a later date.

Local councillor James Charity who knows the family, said the area had been greatly shocked by the tragedy.

“It is devastating for the Melia family and indeed for the whole area. For such a young person to lose her life in such tragic circumstances is terrible.

“I passed the area myself at about 1030pm and it was busy with a lot of cars there. Our thoughts are with the family at such a difficult time for them”, Cllr Charity said.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the tragic collision to contact them at Mill Street station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111 or any Garda station.