Issue Date: 30th August 2023
Statement of Superintendent Kieran Ruane - Tipperary South Community Engagement Area
Yesterday evening, shortly before 9pm a single vehicle Road Traffic Collision occurred at Windmill, Knockbulloge, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
Thomas O Reilly, age 45, Bridget O Reilly, age 46, and their Grandson Tom O Reilly, age 3 lost their lives when the car they were travelling in struck a wall.
I want to express my sincere condolences and the sympathies of every member of An Garda Síochána to the family and friends of Thomas, Bridget and Tom on this tragic loss of life.
A male, age 22 years and a female, age 22 years, both front occupants of the car were removed from the scene to Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel. Both remain in hospital today, the male is being treated for serious injuries, the female being treated for less serious injuries.
All 5 occupants of the car are members of the same family. A Family Liaison Officer have been appointed to the family to provide support and the family will be kept updated as to the course of the investigation.
The remains of the deceased have been removed to Waterford University Hospital where post mortems are taking place today.
Last night An Garda Síochána supported by other emergency services including HSE Paramedics, Cashel Fire Brigade, Tipperary University Hospital and Tipperary Co County Council initiated a major incident response. Once again I want to acknowledge and express my gratitude to my colleagues in An Garda Síochána, the other emergency services who attended the scene last night and the staff at Tipperary University Hospital. The scene last night was traumatic and very difficult for everyone in attendance. The professionalism shown by all first responders and the compassion shown to the 3 deceased was commendable.
The road at Windmill remains closed today and a technical and forensic examination is being carried out by An Garda Síochána Forensic Collision investigators.
An incident room has been established at Cahir Garda Station and an investigation has commenced under a Senior Investigating Officer as An Garda Síochána investigate all the circumstances of this tragic road traffic collision.
Our local community here in Cashel is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic road traffic collision involving 5 members of one family, with 3 deceased. I have spoken with the family of the deceased this morning, a family that is devastated by this terrible incident.
I assured the family and I want to assure the community that local Gardaí here in South Tipperary are here to support them and the community, as we all come to terms with this tragedy over the coming days, weeks and months.
I want to take the opportunity to appeal to any person with any information on this road traffic collision to contact the investigation team at Cahir Garda Station.
I want to speak with any person who may have been driving on local roads between Golden and Cashel and who may have any camera footage (including dashcam) or images from these roads between 8.15pm and 8.45pm to contact the investigation team at Cahir Garda Station.
The investigation team can be contacted at Cahir Garda station on 052 744 5630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Finally, I once again want to express my sympathies to the families of Thomas, Bridget and little Tom.
The families have appealed for privacy at this time.
May they rest in peace.
