Family of Roscommon road crash victim calls for safety on Irish roads

A family of a young man who was killed in a road traffic accident two years ago outside Ballaghaderreen has appealed for safety on Irish roads.

An inquest was held today (Wednesday) into the deaths of Daniel Dolphin (27), Deroon, Ballymote and Liga Smolaka (35), 70 Cornmill Park, Ballymote, following a car accident outside Ballaghaderreen in the early hours of March 11 2022.

Mr Dolphin died at the scene while Ms Smolaka was later pronounced dead at Mayo University Hospital.

The inquest in Ballaghaderreen heard today that the car collided with a tree on the R293 between Ballaghadereen and Gurteen in Edmonstown.

Speaking at today's inquest on behalf of the Dolphin family, solicitor Caroline McLaughlin said the family were calling for safety on Irish roads.

"They pray that no family will experience the loss of a loved one in these circumstances.

“Daniel was one of 155 people who died on Irish Roads in 2022. Too many lives are being lost on Irish roads. The Dolphin family call for safety on Irish roads," she said.

Ms McLaughlin said that Mr Dolphin was dearly missed every day by his family and friends. “He was the joker of the family and his cheeky grin lit up every room he went into. 

"He had a loving kind nature, a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Their loss is immeasurable - their hearts broken,” she said.

(See full report on the inquest in next week’s paper)