THREE PEOPLE were killed in two separate road incidents in Co Wexford and Co Kerry yesterday, both occurring at about 3.30am.
The deaths came as a setback after figures confirmed April had recorded the lowest road death figures in one month since records began in 1959. Nine people died on Irish roads last month.
In Co Wexford, Robert Byrne (19) and Kevin Rafter (17), Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, died when the car they were travelling in crashed into the pillar of a wall at a house at Coolancarney, about half a mile outside Ballindangan village. There was no one else in the car. They were taken to Wexford General Hospital where the driver was pronounced dead soon after.
His passenger died later yesterday morning.
Mr Rafter was a Leaving Certificate student in Faithful Companions of Jesus Convent, Bunclody, while Mr Byrne, also a former pupil of the convent, worked as a barman locally.
The occupants of the house and neighbours went to the scene when they heard the crash. The incident happened on a narrow, rural road, with a sharp bend a short distance from the impact.
A local man said: “It is a shocking and speechless thing to wake up to when you find out that two teenagers have lost their lives needlessly on the roads. Your thoughts and prayers would automatically go to the families of the men.”
A Garda technical team examined the scene and the road remained closed through much of yesterday.
Any witnesses are asked to contact gardaí in Enniscorthy on 053-9233534.
In Co Kerry, a man in his 40s was killed when the car he was driving left the road near Ballyduff in the north of the county.
Named locally as John Costello, Knopogue, Ballyduff, he was a single man and a farmer. He was the only person in the car which reportedly overturned as it left the road and ended up on its roof in a field at Slieveawaddra.
Fr Brendan Walsh, parish priest of Ballyduff, said the man was “hardworking and well-liked” and that the community was very saddened by his death.
Mr Costello was pronounced dead at the scene and his body removed to Kerry General Hospital at Tralee.
No other vehicle was believed to be involved in the incident. The coast road between Ballyduff and Ballyheigue remained closed yesterday while a technical examination of the scene was being carried out.
Witnesses are asked to contact Listowel Garda station on 068- 21000.