Clogher Bishop-elect warns over dangerous driving

A County Donegal born Monsignor who will tomorrow become the new Bishop of Clogher has urged all young drivers to think of both their own safety and the safety of others. 

Monsignor Liam McDaid made his comments in light of the recent deaths of eight people in one of the country's worst ever road accidents since road death statistics were recorded in 1961 on the Innishowen peninsula last week. 

Speaking to the Donegal Democrat newspaper, Monsignor McDaid claimed that we must always be responsible when we are driving.  He said that he had a very good friend with whom he used to travel with regularly in a BMW car.  He added, “To say the least of it, he was a speedy driver and at times I would feel uncomfortable in the car.” 

“On a later occasion we were travelling together and approaching an estate.  I noticed he had dropped down to 30mph.  Straight away.  I remarked on this and he reminded me that he was now a married man with two children.  He had taken on the responsibility and recognised the fragility of life, his own two children had taught him this.” 

He added, “each time we step into a car we have to take on the responsibility, not only for ourselves but for the safety of others.” 

The Bundoran native added that while accidents will happen we should be doing our best to prevent them.

by Sean Ryan