Road death toll reaches 394

THREE fatalities over the Christmas holiday period brought the current 2005 road death toll to 394.

With gardaí continuing a crackdown on alcohol consumption and speeding as a second bank holiday approaches, this year’s figures are the worst in four years.

The total number of road deaths in 2004 was 374.

The bank holiday tragedies included two pedestrian deaths in accidents in Sligo and Mayo. Their deaths brought to 69 the number of pedestrians who died this year.

Early yesterday, a 28-year-old man died after a BMW car went out of control and crashed on the Mallow-Kidorrey road in north Cork.

Eugene Whealan from Annakissa, Mallow, who was alone in the vehicle, died at the scene after the accident about 3am yesterday at Ballyhadeen, Castletownroche, just a few miles from his home.

Gardaí said no other vehicle was involved.

Gardaí in Fermoy are appealing for witnesses to contact them at (025) 31222.

Gardaí in Sligo have also launched an appeal for witnesses following the death of a woman pedestrian.

Niamh Brennan from Curry village, three miles from Tubbercurry, died in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin on Christmas Day as a result of injuries she received the previous day.

The 55-year-old was struck by a car at Cashel, Tubbercurry at 10.30pm last Saturday. Gardaí in Tubbercurry who are investigating the incident can be contacted at [phone].

Meanwhile, gardaí said they have spoken to the driver of a vehicle involved in a fatal accident on Christmas Eve at Bunree Road, Ballina, Co Mayo.

Emily Gilmartin, who was in her 70s and from Greenhills Estate, Ballina, was out for a stroll when she was struck at 9.15pm.

Gardaí are appealing to anybody who may have witnessed the accident to contact Ballina Garda station at (096) 21422.