- On Sunday Bishop Monahan will lead a Blessing of the Roads ceremony at the Cathedral in Ennis
- To date a total of 108 people have died on roads across the island of Ireland in 2023
As we look forward to enjoying this June long weekend in the Republic, Bishop Fintan Monahan asks of all road users – and especially young people – to take extra care over these three days.
Bishop Monahan said, “The good weather over this June long weekend will encourage hundreds of thousands of people to travel to the coast, go hiking, attend sports matches, and to the Bloom Festival in Phoenix Park, Dublin. This will mean a sharp increase in people travelling on our roads. In this context I am asking all road users, especially young people, to take extra care. Everyone shares a responsibility to protect human life.
“Sadly this year, up to this morning, there have been 77 road fatalities in the Republic, an increase of 13 over 2022 (64 deaths), and of 15 in 2021 (62 deaths). Over the same period this year the number of road fatalities in the North of Ireland has been 31. This loss of life is a tragedy for our society and is particularly devastating for the families and loved ones of the deceased. After 11.30am Mass, this Sunday in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis Co Clare, I will lead a Blessing of the Roads ceremony to pray for the protection of road users. I also invite parishes across the diocese to pray for those who have lost their lives in tragic circumstances so far this year, and also to pray for the safety of road users.”
Bishop Monahan recommends two prayers to help people change their driving behaviour, and to stay safe on roads across the island:
17th century paidir as Gaeilge
In ainm an Athar le bua,
In ainm an Mhic a d’fhulaing an phian,
In ainm an Spiorad Naoimh le neart,
Muire is a Mac linn inár dtriall. Áiméan!A contemporary prayer in the English language
Holy Mother, hear our prayer,
Keep us in your loving care,
Whatever the perils of the way,
Let us not add to them this day.
So to our caution and attention,
We add a prayer for your protection,
To beg God’s blessing on this car,
To travel safely near and far.
Amen.
ENDS
- Bishop Fintan Monahan is Bishop of Killaloe.
