Garda injured in Galway crash seriously ill in hospital

One of two gardaí injured in a road incident which claimed the life of a 66-year-old man in south Galway is still seriously ill in hospital.

Garda Sharon Casserly was being treated for broken limbs in University Hospital Galway this week when her condition deteriorated.

Ms Casserly and Garda Peter Murtagh from Gort Garda station were hit after they had stopped their patrol car on the N18 at 12.30am on Monday to assist Mr Liam McDonnell (66).

Mr McDonnell had earlier been reported missing from a nursing home in Labane near the village of Ardrahan.

All three were struck by a car travelling around a sweeping bend about 2km north of Ardrahan. Mr McDonnell was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene, and taken for questioning. He was subsequently released and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission undertook a preliminary examination, as gardaí were involved, but said it was satisfied there was no evidence of Garda misconduct.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) says it was notified of the incident by the nursing home, which has a high level of compliance.

It is not undertaking a formal investigation and has noted the details for its next regulatory intervention.

Gardaí have appealed to witnesses to contact Gort Garda station on (091) 636400, the Garda confidential telephone line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.