Bad weather a factor in fatal crash as Irish road-death toll rises to 47

Bad weather and the possibility of oil on the road may have played their part in a crash which claimed the life of a 64-year-old drapery assistant.

The death of Sheila McDonald in West Cork yesterday morning brought to 47 the number of people killed on Irish roads this year — 17 more than the comparable period for 2012.

The accident happened on the main N71 Clonakilty-Rosscarbery road at Bohanagh, not far from Owenahincha Cross, shortly before 10.30am.

Ms McDonald was on her way to work at a drapery shop in Bandon in her green Ford Fiesta when it struck an articulated lorry.

Ms McDonald, who lived in the village of Leap, was the only occupant of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene by a local doctor.

Gardaí said the lorry driver was not injured but was extremely shocked.

“It was raining heavily at the time and road conditions would not have been good,” said a Garda spokesman.

Gardaí are examining the possibility that oil on the road may also have contributed to the accident.

The busy road was sealed off for several hours while Garda crash scene investigators tried to piece together what caused the accident.

Cllr Adrian Healy, a next-door neighbour and second cousin of Ms McDonald, said “her life was centred around her family”.

“She lived with her mot-her Julia in Leap and loved helping out on her younger brother, Dan’s farm. She was an absolutely lovely woman.

“She is also survived by her two married sisters, Rita and Ester.”

He said the section of road where Ms McDonald died was highly dangerous and had claimed other lives.

“We are constantly debating the safety of this road at council meetings. Something has to be done about it now. The time for talking is over and we want action,” said the FG councillor.

Gardaí appealed to anybody who had witnessed the crash or seen either of the vehicles shortly before it, to contact Clonakilty Garda Station on 023 8821570.

Meanwhile, a passer-by discovered the body of a man in his 50s in Cork city just after 8.15am. The body was discovered at Gas Works Lane. It is understood the man may have been living rough in the area and was originally from the locality.

Supt Barry McPolin said gardaí were not treating the death as suspicious.