Motorcyclist dies in Galway crash as road deaths rise to 116 this year

The man died when his motorbike crashed at Carraghy, at approximately 11.40pm on Friday night. File picture Denis Minihane.

A motorcyclist in his 30s has died after his bike crashed on the N83 Claregalway to Tuam road in Co Galway.

The man died when his motorbike crashed at Carraghy, at approximately 11.40pm on Friday night.

He is the fourth motorcyclist to die on Irish roads in just over two weeks.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene following the crash.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has since been removed to University Hospital Galway, where a post-mortem examination is due to take place.

Fourth motorcyclist killed in two weeks

A motorcyclist in his 40s died on August 2 in a crash on the R448 at Ballyknockan, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow.

Another motorcyclist, in his 50s, died in a collision with a van on the R587 near Gloun North, Dunmanway, Co Cork, on August 5.

Just two days later, a motorcyclist in his 60s died after a collision with a car on the N56 at Termon, Co Donegal, on August 7.

More people have died on Irish roads this year than at the same point last year, with the toll standing at 116 as of August 14, compared with 103 in 2025.

Collisions are also up, with 109 recorded this year to August 14, compared with 98 last year.

Of those who have died this year, 47 were drivers, 21 were passengers, 19 were pedestrians and 16 were motorcyclists.

Nine were cyclists and four were drivers or passengers of either an e-scooter or e-bike.

Garda appeal for witnesses 

Investigations into the latest road traffic death are ongoing, with forensic collision investigators examining the scene. The road will remain closed, with local diversions in place for the time being.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling on the N83 between Claregalway and Tuam between 11pm and 11.40pm on Friday to come forward.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam or other relevant footage is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091 388 030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.