Everyone has a responsibility to protect life on our roads

• 149 people have died on roads on the island of Ireland to date in 2024
• On Saturday of the long weekend Bishop Fintan Monahan will lead a ‘Blessing of the Roads’ prayer ceremony at the Cathedral in Ennis

As we look forward to enjoying this August long weekend in the Republic, Bishop Fintan Monahan has “begged” all road users to take extra care over these three days.

Bishop Monahan said, “Last weekend there were five road deaths across Ireland.  Up to this morning across the island of Ireland, there have been 113 road fatalities in the South, and 36 in the North.  We must be conscious that each of us has a responsibility when we get behind the wheel to ensure we are not putting our lives or the lives of others at risk.  So I beg of you all to make every effort to avert these tragedies.  Slow down, put away all distractions, wear necessary safety equipment and keep clear headed and alert when driving, walking and cycling on our roads.  Everyone shares a responsibility to protect human life.

“This loss of life on our roads is a tragedy for society and particularly devastating for the families and loved ones of the deceased.  I invite parishes across the diocese to pray for those who have lost their lives and have been injured so far this year.  Let us also remember clergy, first responders and the Gardaí who attend the scene at road collisions.”

This Saturday, following the celebration of 6.30pm Mass in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis, Bishop Monahan will lead a ‘Blessing of the Roads’ ceremony to pray for the protection of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Bishop Monahan recommends two prayers to help people change their driving behaviour, and to stay safe on roads across the island:

17th century paidir as Gaeilge
In ainm an Athar le bua,
In ainm an Mhic a d’fhulaing an phian,
In ainm an Spiorad Naoimh le neart,
Muire is a Mac linn inár dtriall. Áiméan!

A contemporary prayer in the English language
Holy Mother, hear our prayer,
Keep us in your loving care,
Whatever the perils of the way,
Let us not add to them this day.
So to our caution and attention,
We add a prayer for your protection,
To beg God’s blessing on this car,
To travel safely near and far.
Amen.

ENDS                               

• Bishop Fintan Monahan is Bishop of Killaloe.    
• Sources for road safety information: An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland