Bishop Monahan: for some road users there will be no second chance

13 Mar 2025

Caption Bishop Monahan leading blessing of the roads, 17 March 2024, outside Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, Ennis (Catholic Communications Office archive)

  • Bishop Monahan to bless roads in Ennis as road deaths reach 39 across the island

As Ireland, north and south, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day this Monday, 17 March, Bishop Fintan Monahan is urging all road users to take extra care on our roads.  His call comes as the latest figures reveal that 42 people have tragically lost their lives on roads across the island of Ireland so far this year: 32 deaths in the Republic and ten in the north.

Bishop Monahan said, “We know from experience that long-weekends are high risk periods for road safety, with speed being a significant factor.  Road safety is not just about following the rules, it’s about being mindful of the risks and taking responsibility for our own actions.  As people of goodwill we ought to be mindful of the stranger that we meet on the road, and the parable of the Good Samaritan is our model. 

“This weekend, I ask all road users – whether driving, cycling, or walking – to remain vigilant and make safety their priority.  We each have a duty to protect ourselves, and others, by being aware of the potential dangers and to make wise choices on the road.  Sadly for some there will be no second chance.”

Bishop Monahan emphasised that while it is important to remember in prayer those who have lost their lives and the families left behind, it is equally important to include those who have been injured, and the loved ones who care for them.  The physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be just as devastating, and their struggles deserve our support and prayers. 

“This weekend, I encourage parishes to pray in a special way for the well-being and protection of all those who travel on our roads,” Bishop Monahan said.

This Monday, Saint Patrick’s Day, Bishop Monahan will lead a special ‘Blessing of the Roads’ ceremony in Ennis, following the 9:30am Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul.  The ceremony, which will take place just before the Saint Patrick’s Day parade, will be an opportunity for the community to come together for a moment of reflection and prayer.

ENDS

  • Bishop Fintan Monahan is Bishop of Killaloe.
  • Data correct as of 12 March 2025, and sources for road safety information are: An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
  • Bishop Monahan recommends two prayers to encourage safer driving behaviour and to seek divine protection for all road users:

A 17th-century Prayer in Irish
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 English
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.