Man arrested after hit-and-run leaves three cyclists injured in East Cork

Three cyclists were injured in a hit-and-run crash in Midleton, East Cork. A man in his 30s was arrested and later released, with investigations ongoing

Gardaí confirmed they received a report of a road traffic collision involving a car and three bicycles in the area. Picture: Dan Linehan

A man has been arrested following a hit-and-run incident in East Cork that left three cyclists injured on Sunday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to the scene on the R627 near Westpark in Midleton shortly after receiving reports of a collision involving a car and three cyclists.

The incident occurred at approximately 8.05pm, and gardaí confirmed that the driver failed to remain at the scene.

The road was temporarily closed but has since reopened. The three male cyclists were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A man in his 30s was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. He has since been released without charge, with investigations ongoing.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, local TD Pat Buckley said he lives close to the area where the incident occurred.

“It’s just down the road from me and everyone is really shocked, my heart goes out to the family.

“I understand all three cyclists are local, but for a car to leave the scene, it’s shocking, but also, people panic too.

“It’s a fairly well lit up in that area, it was on the Dungourney road near the Rugby club near Broomfield. There are a lot of LED lights there.

It is also a fairly busy road, it goes on the Tallow and Waterford, it is well known for cyclists.

He said his thoughts are now with the families of the three people who are injured.

“I believe one of them is quite serious, I just hope they will be ok, and I cannot commend the emergency services enough, they were there on the dot in no time.

“I’m just surprised because the road is well known for cyclists. Drivers would be familiar with cyclists there," he added.

A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene following a report of a road traffic collision involving a car and three bicycles near Midleton, Co. Cork yesterday, Wednesday 14th May 2025.

“The collision occurred at approximately 8.05pm on the R627 at West Park. The car failed to remain at the scene. The three male cyclists were conveyed to Cork University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

“A technical examination of the scene was conducted and the road has reopened to traffic.

“A man, aged in his 30s, has since been arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of an intoxicant. He has been released without charge pending further investigation.”