Services held for victims' families

Some 400 people took part in a service of remembrance for those killed in crashes on the country's roads in Buncrana, Co Donegal…

Some 400 people took part in a service of remembrance for those killed in crashes on the country's roads in Buncrana, Co Donegal, yesterday.

The service was one of a number of similar events around the country organised for families of those who have been killed and to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

The Buncrana service, conducted by local priest Fr Con McLaughlin, was held in St Mary's Oratory where the funerals of four of five young people killed in a two-car crash in October 2005 took place.

Buncrana was also the location of another multiple-fatality crash the following October when five foreign nationals were killed. Both crashes took place in the early hours of the morning.

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After the service at St Mary's Oratory many members of the congregation released balloons carrying messages addressed to those they had lost.

The service of remembrance was organised by Public Against Road Carnage founder Susan Gray who lost her husband in a crash on St Stephen's Day in 2004.

Speaking to The Irish Times after the service, Ms Gray said it was now hoped to make next year's day of remembrance for road traffic victims a fully national event.

"People seemed to feel that the contact was beneficial. They are the only ones who can understand the pain and they feel the need to do something, to change laws, to make roads safer" she said.

At Knock in Co Mayo, former president of the GAA Dr Michael Loftus, said Ireland's "alcohol culture" had to be tackled if the soaring road death rates were to be reduced.

Dr Loftus made his remarks to reporters following ceremonies in Knock Basilica, Co Mayo, to mark the day of remembrance of road traffic victims.

Some 3,000 people attended the Mass which was celebrated by the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary, assisted by the parish priest of Knock, Msgr Joseph Quinn.

Singer Tommy Fleming, who was seriously injured in a road accident 10 years ago, was guest singer at the ceremony.

Dr Loftus, who delivered one of the readings, said afterwards that 65 per cent of inquests he dealt with while he was coroner for north Mayo had been road incidents and alcohol related.

"If any other drug was doing what alcohol is doing there would be a tremendous outcry," Dr Loftus remarked.

"The issue of alcohol promotion has to be addressed," the Crossmolina GP added.

"Alcohol was glorified in advertisements for the rugby World Cup. Now a major club tournament is under way sponsored by Heineken. It's almost impossible nowadays for young people not to be influenced by the powerful drinks industry."

Many of those attending yesterday's Knock Shrine ceremony were relatives of those who lost their lives on Irish roads over the years.

Noel Gibbons, road safety officer with Mayo County Council, said the ceremonies "give comfort to those who are suffering the pain of bereavement".