Series of traffic accidents kill four in a single day

FOUR men were killed in road accidents yesterday, bringing to 24 the number killed in the first four weeks of this year.

One man died in Co Tipperary after three cars collided on the Urlingford to Ballingarry Road at Gortnahoe at around 1.45pm.

The man, believed to be in his early twenties, was the driver of one of the cars and was pronounced dead on arrival at Cashel hospital.

Three other persons were also removed to hospital. Two of them have serious injuries. Gardaí from Urlingford attended the scene and are investigating the cause of the collision.

In Co Mayo, two men from the Czech Republic died when their car struck a tree at Lavy More in Charlestown shortly before 2am yesterday.

The men, aged 34 and 36, were taken to Mayo General Hospital.

Gardaí from Swinford are investigating the cause of the accident.

In Co Down, a man was killed when the car he was travelling in collided with a minibus at Annalong.

A Garda spokesman last night confirmed that 24 people have been killed on Irish roads this year.

“There is certainly no sign of any improvements this year. It seems to be on par with last year with the death toll rising steadily,” he said.

Meanwhile, the funeral has taken place in Sixmilebridge of a Clareman who was murdered in New York.

John Kelly, aged 43, was shot dead eight days ago outside the apartment building in the Bronx where he lived with his wife Ann and their three children.

He was taking down Christmas decorations when he was shot in the head. He was buried in his hometown on Saturday.

Police are mystified as to a motive as they say Mr Kelly was a highly respected hard working member of the community.