National Commemoration Held at Smock Alley Theatre
Dublin, Ireland – On Sunday, November 16, 2025, Ireland observed the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with a poignant national ceremony hosted by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The event, held at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin, served to honour the memory of those killed or seriously injured on Irish roads and to offer solidarity to their grieving families. It also recognised the tireless efforts of emergency services personnel.
The World Day of Remembrance, established by a United Nations resolution in 2005, is observed annually on the third Sunday of November. This year's theme, 'Remember. Support. Act.', underscored the collective commitment to road safety.
Emotional Tributes and Calls for Action
The ceremony featured powerful testimonies from individuals directly affected by road tragedies. Among the speakers was Stephen Doyle, who shared the profound loss of his three brothers in a single collision in 2012. Jacinta McIntyre also spoke movingly in memory of her sister Sarah. Musician Steve Wall delivered an emotional musical tribute, performing in remembrance of his three-year-old niece, Eistlin, who died in a road incident in 2017.
Attendees included Minister of State for Road Safety, Seán Canney, RSA CEO Sam Waide, RSA Chairperson Anne Graham, bereaved families, survivors, members of the emergency services, and representatives from the Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA). Minister Canney emphasised the government's responsibility to implement policies, enforcement, and education to prevent further loss of life on the roads. RSA CEO Sam Waide highlighted the resilience of families and the importance of their stories in shaping road safety efforts.
Stark Statistics Highlight Ongoing Challenge
The ceremony took place against a backdrop of concerning road fatality statistics for 2025. As of November 16, 2025, a total of 157 people have tragically lost their lives on Irish roads this year. This figure represents a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. Of these fatalities, 50 individuals were aged 30 or younger, underscoring the devastating impact on young lives.
The gravity of the situation was further amplified by a tragic incident in County Louth on the eve of the Remembrance Day, where five young lives were lost in a single collision. Superintendent Liam Geraghty of An Garda Síochána noted the stark reminder of how quickly lives can change on the roads.
Nationwide Observances
In addition to the RSA's national ceremony, various other events were held across Ireland to mark the World Day of Remembrance. The IRVA hosted a national commemoration in Mullingar. South Dublin County Council held a service at St. Pius X Church in Templeogue, Dublin, while Dublin City Council hosted a special event at the Civic Offices on November 13th, bringing together emergency services and community representatives. Regional observances also took place in locations such as Cork, Kerry, Mayo, and Donegal.
5 Comments
Habibi
Another ceremony. Meanwhile, the death toll keeps rising. What's actually being done?
Coccinella
Empty gestures. The government needs to enforce laws, not just hold events.
Donatello
It's crucial to give a voice to bereaved families, and these ceremonies do that well. However, the tragic incident in Louth highlights that the underlying issues causing these deaths are still not adequately addressed.
Habibi
The emotional testimonies are heartbreaking. This helps us all understand the real impact.
Bella Ciao
They remember, but do they act effectively? The numbers speak for themselves.