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Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Drivers urged to be aware of pedestrians and cyclists over Bank Holiday Weekend
'We don't want to have to call to anybody's door to deliver bad news over the course of this weekend' Gardai have issued a special appeal for drivers to be 'particularly mindful of the risks associated with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists' over the Bank Holiday Weekend. They are urging everyone to stay safe as bank holidays are the busiest periods on Irish roads. In a fresh appeal posted across social media platforms this afternoon, Chief Superintendent, Roads Policing, David Harrington, asked all road users 'to pay additional care and attention to how they use our road networks'. Chief Superintendent David Harrington issues a new appeal News in 90 Seconds - May 30th He highlighted vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists as he appealed to all drivers, 'to reduce speed, remove distractions such as mobile phones, wear their seatbelts and under no circumstances ever drive under the influence of drink or drugs'. 'We don't want to have to call to anybody's door to deliver bad news over the course of this weekend,' Chief Super Harrington said. 'People should be enjoying themselves and carrying out safe journeys across the country so please be mindful of your behaviour on the roads this weekend. Two people were killed and six others were left with life-threatening injuries over the recent May bank holiday weekend. Gardaí had carried out a major roads policing operation nationwide from the morning of Thursday, May 1 until Tuesday, May 6, in a bid to improve road safety. During the operation gardaí carried out more than 1,000 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints, which resulted in over 13,000 breath tests and around 280 oral fluid tests. A total of 187 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. More than 3,000 drivers were clocked driving above the legal speed limit. Gardaí issued hundreds of Fixed Charge Notices for additional road safety offences, including over 270 for using mobile phones while driving, more than 340 for unaccompanied learner drivers, and 115 for not wearing seatbelts. In total, 147 vehicles were seized from learner drivers who were driving unaccompanied, while 444 vehicles were taken off the road for having no tax or insurance.
BreakingNews.ie
16-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Garda Kevin Flatley left no stone unturned in duty of care, funeral told
A Garda member killed at a speed checkpoint in Co Dublin left no stone unturned in his duty of care to others, his funeral has heard. Garda Kevin Flatley, who died on Sunday when he was struck by a motorcycle, was one of the most helpful men you could ever meet, mourners were told. Advertisement President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and several other Irish government ministers were among those who attended the requiem mass for the 49-year-old married father-of-two at St Peter and Paul's Church in Balbriggin, Co Dublin on Friday afternoon. Garda Kevin Flatley was killed after being struck by a motorcycle in Co Dublin (An Garda Siochana/PA) Garda Flatley, originally from Newcastle, Co Dublin, had served in An Garda Síochána for 26 years and had been with the Roads Policing Unit since 2018. He died after being hit by a motorcycle as he was recording vehicle speeds on the R132 at Lanestown in north Co Dublin on Sunday afternoon. A motorcyclist, aged in his 30s, was seriously injured in the incident. Advertisement Garda motorcycle colleagues from the Dublin Metropolitan Region's Roads Policing Unit were among those who formed a long guard of honour outside the church as the hearse arrived ahead of Friday's mass. Two members of the Garda led the cortege, one carrying the Irish national flag and the other the flag of An Garda Síochána. The bells of the church rang as the coffin arrived. A large number of uniformed gardaí walked to the church with fellow mourners, including Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Advertisement Inside the church, as the service began, members of the Garda's Ceremonial Unit placed the Irish flag on Garda Flatley's coffin, along with his cap and gloves. The coffin of Garda Kevin Flatley is carried from St Peter and Paul's Church in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Several personal items were then placed at the altar to represent his life. They included a fiddle, jerseys from his Gaelic Games club in Balbriggan, O'Dwyer's GAA, his GAA hurl, a chocolate bar and a family bible that he used to read to his two children, Aoife and Erin. Addressing mourners, priest Fr Dan Joe O'Mahony extended his condolences to Garda Flatley's widow, Una and his two daughters. Advertisement 'I've seen so many in tears the last few days,' he said. 'It's something when you see a guard crying – that does something to you.' He added: 'Kevin's life – one of the most helpful gentlemen you could meet, a coach at O'Dwyer's here in Balbriggan, a family man, a great guard, and I'm saying that without condition today, who left no stone unturned in his duty of care.' Speaking generally about road safety in Ireland, the cleric urged motorists to show 'courtesy'. Advertisement 'Good friends, we as human beings today are asked, each one of us are asked, to share the roads,' he said. 'I don't own the roads. You don't. We share them together. We travel together, and we have to show prudence and courtesy. Courtesy pays, good friends, I think, all the time. It's vitally important, courtesy.' Members of the Irish Defence Forces, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and US custom officers based in Ireland all attended the funeral. President Michael D Higgins leaves following the funeral service of Garda Kevin Flatley (Brian Lawless/PA) Outside the packed-to-capacity church, a large crowd of mourners watched the service on big screens in a car park. A eulogy was delivered by Garda Flatley's close colleague in Blanchardstown Garda Station, Rosanna Caul. Garda Caul described her friend as a great 'family man'. 'On Sunday, the 11th of May 2025, the lives of Una, Erin and Aoife were changed forever. They never imagined when Kevin went to work that he would not return home,' she said. Ms Caul spoke of Garda Flatley's 'infectious smile and laughter' as she outlined his career progression in An Garda Síochána. 'We always knew that Kevin wanted to be part of the Roads Policing Unit,' she said. 'He was delighted to move there in 2018. Kevin always wanted to do the motorcycle course, and he was so happy when he achieved that goal. He loved working alongside his colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit, and the family know how heartbroken his colleagues are. 'From the start of his career until now, Kevin's focus was always on helping people. Kevin had unconditional, positive regard for everyone he worked with and every member of the public he encountered.' Garda Caul said her colleague was always the 'first to put his hand up to volunteer' in his local community, as she referenced his passion for coaching at O'Dwyer's GAA club. 'Kevin's drive with O'Dwyer's was for his daughters. Kevin was never happier than when he was supporting his girls playing and enjoying the game with their friends. Kevin was never all about winning. He was about participation, teamwork and being part of the community. Kevin is safe in the knowledge that the club and the game will remain a part of his girls' lives.' She added: 'Kevin was adored by everyone in his family, and the loss they are experiencing is heartbreaking. The family are so grateful to those who came to Kevin's aid on Sunday, and to everyone who has taken care of Kevin since this time. 'The support that Kevin's family have experienced since Sunday has been phenomenal.' Garda Caul said the Flatley family would never forget the 'unwavering' care, support and help offered by the Garda since Sunday's fatal collision. 'Kevin's family and friends are truly grateful for the privilege of having shared a life with him,' she concluded. 'Kevin's memory will never be forgotten. He is forever in his children's, family's and friends' hearts, and Kevin will always be cherished by everyone who knew him.' At the close of the service, members of the Garda Ceremonial Unit removed the Irish tricolour from the coffin, folded it and presented it, along with his gloves and cap, to the family. Fellow coaches from O'Dwyer's GAA then placed a club flag on the coffin before it was carried out of the church. After the mass, Garda Flatley was taken onward to Newcastle Cemetery in Co Dublin for burial.
RTÉ News
11-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Calls for 'reset' in road safety following Garda death
The Garda Commissioner has called for "a reset" of the approach to road safety, particularly in relation to distracted and drunk driving, not wearing seat belts and speeding. Drew Harris said there will be a review of Roads Policing following the death of Garda Kevin Flatley in Dublin yesterday. The 49-year-old married father of two was knocked down as he tried to flag down a speeding high powered motorcycle in Lanestown near Blakes Cross. Mr Flatley was a dedicated, committed and valued Garda who lost his life in the line of duty. He was attached to the Garda Roads Policing Bureau at Dublin Castle since 2018 and had previously served in community policing in Blanchardstown where he was well known and liked there. He was knocked down and killed instantly when he tried to stop the high powered Yamaha 1000 motorcycle speeding on the old Swords to Balbriggan Road yesterday afternoon. It was travelling north towards Balbriggan in the fast lane when the Garda tried to flag it down at 12.50pm. The emergency services were called and an off duty doctor treated the Garda at the scene. The Commissioner said that all assistance was rendered as quickly as possible but Mr Flatley died from his injuries. The motorcyclist remains in a critical condition in Beaumont Hospital. Mr Flatley coached the under ten girls' team at O'Dwyers in Balbriggan with great enthusiasm, energy and encouragement and his two daughters played for the GAA club. The club described him as an absolute gentleman who had a huge part to play in the club, someone who always lent a hand when he could. The Garda Commissioner said the tragic death of Mr Flatley once again illustrates "the extraordinary dangers" facing Gardaí. Mr Harris has called for "a rethink" of society's approach to road safety. He said the Gardaí want to see "what is the cutting edge, the leading edge in terms of technology and tactics we need to deploy." However, the Commissioner pointed out that while this tragedy represents "the very hard edge" of road policing, the Gardaí need to and will keep their reinforcement efforts going. He also said that "unbelievably" a second Garda was also hit by a motorcycle in Coolock yesterday and had his leg broken. One man was arrested. A third Garda was also injured on duty last week when he was hit by a car. The Gardaí also renewed their appeal for information and dash cam footage. The Commissioner said a number of people had come forward but they were still seeking information on the movements of the R1 Yamaha Motorcycle from around midday yesterday, in the hour before it killed Garda Kevin Flatley.
Belfast Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Loss felt across policing family': PSNI chief pays tribute to Garda killed at speed checkpoint
The highly respected officer has been named as Garda Kevin Flatley, age 49, who was based in the roads policing unit at Dublin Castle. It is understood he was conducting a speed checkpoint on the R132 in the Lanestown area of north Dublin when the collision occurred. Garda Flatley was critically injured at the scene and pronounced dead a short time later. The motorcyclist, aged in his 30s, also suffered serious injuries. Several garda units, including the Armed Response Unit could be seen racing to the scene on the Old Swords Road, between Swords and Balbriggan after lunchtime. Key points of the UK-US trade deal explained Jon Boutcher has extended 'heartfelt condolences' after Garda Flatley died in the line of duty. 'The loss of an officer is felt across the entire policing family and our thoughts are with his family, friends and An Garda Síochána colleagues at this difficult time,' he said. 'Kevin's death is a stark reminder of the risks that police officers face every day as they work to protect the public and keep people safe. "His dedication, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.' A section of road where the collision occurred has been cordoned off with emergency services at the scene. President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have led tributes. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, a former PSNI Assistant Chief Constable, described Garda Flatley as a 'faithful public servant'. 'I have to say this is a desperately sad day for An Garda Siochana. Really our most deepest sympathy to the family of Kevin Flatley, to his wife Una and to his children and his extended family, including his parents,' he said. 'Kevin today was performing his duty as a Roads Policing member. He's been engaged in Roads Policing from 2018, he was a very professional, proficient officer. 'He was engaged in duty to prevent speeding and he was involved in the detection of speeding on a road known as the R132, the old N1 as you travel north towards Balbriggan, and, really regrettably, a collision takes place, he's struck by a motorbike and subsequently then dies from his injuries. 'This is a terrible loss for us all, but all of us acknowledge how heavy a blow this is on his family. "I'd just like to say Kevin has been a very faithful public servant. He has served in An Garda Siochana for 25 years and, prior to serving with Roads Policing, he served as a community officer in the Blanchardstown area and was well known and well liked there, indeed well known throughout the organisation.' President Michael D Higgins said: "As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Garda Kevin Flatley, who today lost his life while serving the community. 'Garda Flatley dedicated his career to public service and to keeping people safe. The loss of a Garda has a deep impact on society due to this strong connection and my thoughts are with his family and all those who knew and cared for Garda Flatley across his life. 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal." Taoiseach Micheál Martin extended his sympathies to the family of Garda Flatley. "Our gardaí serve with courage and dedication each and every day to keep the public safe and to prevent crime,' Mr Martin said. "The loss of a garda while on duty will be keenly felt by those who knew him, in communities across Ireland and by all members of An Garda Síochána. "Our thoughts and prayers go to all those in mourning following this terrible tragedy.' Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. 'Shortly before 1pm, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision on the R132 in Lanestown, North County Dublin, where a motorcycle struck a member of An Garda Síochána's Roads Policing Unit while on duty,' the force said in a statement. 'The Garda, a male aged 49, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The motorcyclist, also a male and aged in 30s, was transported by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. His condition is understood to be serious. 'The area has been preserved for forensic and technical examination, with traffic diversions currently in place. The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified. 'Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. 'Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, and were in the area at the time are urged to provide this material to investigating Gardaí. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Tánaiste Simon Harris said it was with 'profound shock and sadness' that he learned of Garda Flatley's death. 'Garda Flatley was a long-serving and much-respected member of An Garda Síochána, devoted to his job and to keeping his community safe. There is no greater example of that than today when he was working to keep the public safe on our roads,' Mr Harris said. 'The untimely loss of Garda Flatley reminds us of the frailty of life and how suddenly loss and grief can be thrust upon us. It is also a tragic reminder of the risks that Gardaí take everyday in the service of our country and its people. 'I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit and all those who loved him. 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.' Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said he was 'deeply shocked' by the news. 'Very sadly, this brave Garda has died in the line of duty, serving and protecting the community. I know his death will bring heartbreak to his family, friends, loved ones and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána across the whole country,' he said. 'The women and men of An Garda Síochána go out to work every day to keep Ireland safe. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, as they work to shield us from harm and to strengthen our communities. 'As Minister for Justice, I convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the parents, family and friends of Garda Flatley and indeed to the whole family of An Garda Síochána.' Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson said: 'Following the news of the death of Garda Kevin Flatley while on duty in North County Dublin, I wish to express my shock and to call for prayers to remember Garda Flatley, and express my condolences to Kevin's wife and two children. "My prayerful sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of all who have been affected by the tragic incident in which his life was lost this afternoon.' Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, who is also a TD for the area, described the death of the garda in the line of duty as a tragedy. 'My heartfelt thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time,' he said. 'Anyone with information should contact the Gardaí immediately.' General secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), Ronan Clogher, described the news as 'devastating' and called it 'a dark day' for An Garda Síochána. 'We are in shock and numbed at the news this afternoon. No garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances,' he said. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. It is not easy for garda colleagues today so please keep them in your thoughts.' AGSI president Declan Higgins said the association will provide all their support to members, garda colleagues and their families at this tragic time. He has also appealed to members of the public to heed garda appeals for information. 'I would ask the public to respond to calls for any information as they work on this investigation. There will be tough days ahead and we really ask for the public's support.' Garda Representative Association president Mark O'Meara said: 'As an Association we have been numbed by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the garda family. 'Today our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen member, his wife and children and his family as well as his wide circle of friends and colleagues. 'We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague and he will never be forgotten for what he gave to public service and what he meant to his colleagues.'
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Two BMW drivers seriously injured in Devon crash
Two BMW drivers were taken to hospital with serious injuries after colliding on Friday, police have said. The crash on Exeter Road in Okehampton, which remains closed, took place at about about 11:20 GMT and involved a white BMW saloon and a silver BMW estate. Police said both vehicles had been travelling together and had been seen at Sourton Services about 15 minutes before the incident. Witnesses or those with dashcam footage have been asked to contact police. Officers from the Roads Policing team thanked the public "for their patience during the road closures". Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Devon & Cornwall Police
