Mother’s Day 2025 turned into a day of sorrow across Ireland as four women lost their lives in separate road collisions. These tragic incidents have cast a pall over communities and reignited concerns about road safety nationwide.​

Fatal Collision in Mallow, Co. Cork

In a devastating two-vehicle crash near Mallow, Co. Cork, two women were killed, and two children sustained injuries. The collision occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on the N72, a road bustling with Mother’s Day traffic. The drivers, Mary Coughlan (64) from Mitchelstown and Susan O’Sullivan (41) from Mallow, were pronounced dead at the scene. Ms. O’Sullivan’s two children, aged eight and five, were rushed to Cork University Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Superintendent Gary McPolin of Mallow Garda Station described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” that has deeply affected the local community. ​

Three-Vehicle Crash in Moonameen, Co. Waterford

Earlier that day, a three-car collision in Moonameen, Co. Waterford, claimed the life of a female passenger in her 60s. The crash occurred around 2:10 p.m. on the N25. Despite prompt efforts by emergency services, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Three others were seriously injured and transported to University Hospital Waterford for treatment. Gardaí have appealed for witnesses and are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. ​

Pedestrian Fatality in Callan, Co. Kilkenny

Adding to the weekend’s tragedies, a woman in her 30s succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a car on the N76 at Westcourt Demesne in Callan, Co. Kilkenny. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Friday, March 28. The woman was initially taken to St. Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny and later transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where she passed away on Monday. Gardaí are seeking witnesses to come forward to assist with their ongoing investigation. ​

Community Response and Road Safety Concerns

These incidents have left communities in shock and mourning. Local representatives have expressed condolences to the families affected and emphasized the need for heightened road safety awareness. Labour Party councillor John Pratt highlighted the profound impact on the Moonameen community, noting that the deceased woman had been a well-known resident of the area. ​

Road Fatalities in 2025: A Statistical Overview

As of March 31, 2025, provisional figures from An Garda Síochána indicate that 40 people have died on Irish roads this year. This marks a decrease from 55 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2024. Despite this reduction, each loss is a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to road safety measures. ​

Garda Appeals and Investigation Efforts

Gardaí have launched comprehensive investigations into each of these incidents and are appealing to the public for assistance. They urge anyone who witnessed the collisions or has relevant dash-cam footage to come forward. Superintendent McPolin emphasized the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the events leading up to these tragedies. ​

The loss of four women on Mother’s Day 2025 serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of road safety. As investigations continue, communities across Ireland are united in grief and a renewed commitment to preventing further tragedies on the nation’s roads.

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