294:
another car was "inches on the wrong side of the road" when the first collision occurred, a claim refuted by other statements at the inquest (including Garda evidence that the other car was 90 cm on the correct side of the road at time of impact). Ultimately the inquest upheld the verdict, with the inquest jury stating that the victims were "unlawfully killed consistent with dangerous driving". Kelly's original 4-year sentence was doubled to 8-years by the court of appeal.
267:
Damien McLaughlin took place. Paul
Doherty was buried on what would have been his twentieth birthday. On 16 July, the final funeral, that of James McEleney, took place. By the time of the final funeral, Kelly, the sole survivor, was not well enough to be interviewed; a long spell in hospital was expected with the possibility of surgery. It was revealed on 27 July that he had been informed of the deaths of his friends; he had woken from a coma but was sent to a hospital in
110:. A press conference was held at Buncrana Garda Station on 12 July during which the identities of the dead were made public. Alcohol was ruled out as a cause of the accident. The R238 road was forensically examined, before being reopened on 13 July. Relatives inspected the crash scene and laid flowers before the road reopened. On 15 July, another appeal for witnesses was issued, though authorities also praised the "excellent co-operation" of members of the public.
157:
staff. He said a special Mass the following morning. Another priest said: "Somebody described it as a tsunami, rolling across
Inishowen, overwhelming us all". Gardaí and fire service personnel were themselves reported to be "traumatised" at what they had witnessed and in need of counselling. One fireman said he had never seen anything like it in 32 years of service. A special helpline was established by the
87:. The Volkswagen Passat was occupied by eight men, aged between 19 and 23: Mark McLaughlin, aged 21; Paul Doherty, aged 19; Ciaran Sweeney, aged 19; PJ McLaughlin, aged 21; James McEleney, aged 23; Eamonn McDaid, aged 22, and Damien McLaughlin, aged 21, who all died. An eighth occupant, Shaun Kelly (the driver), was brought to
91:. The car had five seat belts between the eight men and some corpses were retrieved outside the vehicle. The crash occurred near the home of one of those who died. The Toyota Corolla was occupied by one man, 66-year-old Hugh Friel. He was taken to the same hospital and died there. He had been driving home from
156:
Commissioner Kieran Kenny described it as the worst crash scene he had witnessed in 34 years in the force. A curate who visited the hospital said he too had never experienced anything like it in his time in the priesthood, describing scenes of upset which not only included relatives but also hospital
66:
shortly before their deaths, while the eighth was returning home after playing bingo. The crash and the funerals, which took place over a three-day period, attracted both national and international attention. By comparison, the number of other people to die on the nation's roads that weekend was two.
266:
The funerals took place over a three-day period, attended by hundreds of people and each receiving extensive media coverage. On 14 July, the funerals of Hugh Friel, Mark McLaughlin and
Patrick "PJ" McLaughlin took place. On 15 July, the funerals of Paul Doherty, Eamonn McDaid, Ciaran Sweeney and
293:
In a 2016 inquest, a solicitor for Shaun Kelly (then serving a sentence after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving) made claims of a "coverup", stating that his client "accepted causing the deaths of the eight men, but denied causing the accident". He alleged that the driver of
161:
in the aftermath of the crash, while leaflets offering advice were distributed. Local people openly cried, described an "eerie" atmosphere, were hesitant while driving if another vehicle approached; work was affected. One man was heard to say that a friend living in
79:
on the narrow R238 road, leaving the female driver unhurt. A motorist had also flashed his lights in an attempt to warn the Passat to slow down. Then the Passat collided with the Toyota
Corolla. Both ended up in a ditch.
302:
John McLaughlin (46), the father of Damien McLaughlin - one of the victims, took his own life in 2013 on the third anniversary of the crash. The family stated how he had never gotten over the death of his son.
257:
After the funerals, two council meetings were thought to be planning to talk about road safety and counselling. There was a call for the establishment of a co-ordinated response strategy for
Inishowen.
1153:
633:
279:
On 10 November 2011, the driver of the Passat was charged with dangerous driving causing eight deaths, with the defence saying his injuries meant he did not pose a "flight" risk.
732:
241:
also expressed sympathy. Fine Gael councillor John Ryan said: "I don't think I've ever come across anything of this magnitude or this level of carnage. It's unbelievable".
341:
National Roads
Authority road safety expert Stephen Lambert said last night's death toll was the highest number of fatalities in a single crash since records began in 1961
597:
233:
called the crash a "nightmare", and "a terrible day for the county", suggesting that everyone in the area would have been familiar with at least one of those who died.
387:
354:
282:
On 9 February 2012, the Book of
Evidence was served on the driver Shaun Kelly at Buncrana District Court, and the case was adjourned until the following month.
1020:
419:
627:
625:
285:
Kelly was convicted at trial. His sentence later increased on appeal as 'unduly lenient' for the ‘worst case of dangerous driving in history of the State’.
1046:
699:
224:
248:
886:
1133:
58:. It was the deadliest road accident in the country since records began in 1961. The road at Glasmullen was not previously thought of as an
1158:
996:
1148:
643:
742:
1143:
1128:
607:
207:
181:
397:
88:
364:
210:
188:
1095:
914:
634:"Nothing could prepare us for what we saw – fireman: Gardaí open probe into crash that left eight people dead on the road"
429:
102:
There was a delay in publishing the identities of those killed as some relatives were abroad, while others were at the
709:
330:
203:
63:
158:
217:
859:
831:
772:
671:
570:
542:
514:
199:
1100:
975:
766:
764:
762:
760:
455:
153:
96:
55:
47:
1072:
891:
59:
17:
1138:
1051:
1025:
737:
704:
638:
602:
424:
392:
359:
251:
194:
said it was "horrific" and called for an improvement in road safety education. Local
Senator,
76:
31:
166:
was to return to
Ireland but "He has changed his mind now because all his friends are dead".
244:
195:
700:"'All people can do is pray': Ashen-faced villagers struggle to come to terms with tragedy"
976:"Jail term 'unduly lenient' for 'worst case of dangerous driving in history of the State'"
864:
836:
777:
676:
575:
547:
519:
460:
335:
227:
1067:
234:
107:
51:
35:
1122:
1001:
980:
449:
447:
206:
called it a "tragedy of immense proportions" and called for "tightening up the law".
946:
482:
191:
184:
924:
951:
919:
487:
177:
103:
797:
795:
238:
230:
508:
506:
665:
663:
661:
221:
174:
180:
expressed shock at the "devastating news" and paid tribute from New York.
807:
92:
43:
39:
773:"Taoiseach extends his sympathies to families of crash victims from NY"
324:
322:
320:
318:
316:
802:
268:
163:
1021:"Car that collided with death driver's vehicle had broken headlight"
997:"Inquest hears claims of 'cover-up' in Inishowen death crash case"
84:
1047:"Verdict of unlawful killing at inquest of eight crash victims"
220:
said there was "mind numbing devastation" in the community.
213:
paid tribute and described "a dark cloud" over
Inishowen.
187:
praised the emergency services who assisted at the scene.
1068:"Father who took own life 'abandoned by health service'"
30:
On 11 July 2010, eight people were killed when a black
832:"Councils to discuss safety in wake of Donegal crash"
456:"Investigation into fatal Co Donegal crash continues"
887:"Survivor of Buncrana crash told of eight deaths"
860:"Volunteers urge response strategy for Inishowen"
733:"Best pals shared laughter and joy in last hours"
698:Maguire, Stephen; Guidera, Anita (13 July 2010).
1154:Road incident deaths in the Republic of Ireland
1040:
1038:
1036:
947:"Book of Evidence served in Donegal crash case"
803:"Eight people are killed in Donegal car crash"
353:Keane, Kevin; McHale, Michael (12 July 2010).
83:Those killed came from Buncrana, Clonmany and
8:
75:The Volkswagen Passat initially hit a white
672:"Latest crash brings back painful memories"
216:Mayor of Buncrana/Deputy Mayor of Donegal
1014:
1012:
515:"Victims' families come together to pray"
388:"Motorist had warned driver to slow down"
1096:"Dad dies on anniversary of son's death"
355:"Up to 10 dead in grim weekend on roads"
331:"Taoiseach in tribute to crash victims"
312:
62:. Seven of those who died watched the
995:Maguire, Stephen (24 February 2016).
974:Giblin, Ruaidhrí (16 November 2015).
543:"Gardaí appeal for further witnesses"
483:"Road reopens after Co Donegal crash"
420:"Eight-death crash 'worst on record'"
7:
189:Minister for Justice and Law Reform
923:. 10 November 2011. Archived from
25:
1066:Maguire, Stephen (18 July 2013).
1045:Harkin, Greg (27 February 2016).
1019:Harkin, Greg (26 February 2016).
598:"Crash bereaved urged to forgive"
329:Newenham, Pamela (12 July 2010).
915:"Man charged over Donegal crash"
18:July 2010 R238 traffic collision
1094:(staff writer) (14 July 2013).
830:Duncan, Pamela (19 July 2010).
731:Guidera, Anita (14 July 2010).
670:Duncan, Pamela (13 July 2010).
632:Guidera, Anita (13 July 2010).
513:Duncan, Pamela (14 July 2010).
454:Duncan, Pamela (13 July 2010).
386:Guidera, Anita (14 July 2010).
771:Minihan, Mary (13 July 2010).
606:. 14 July 2010. Archived from
428:. 12 July 2010. Archived from
27:Fatal road accident in Ireland
1:
1134:2010 road incidents in Europe
858:Heaney, Kate (22 July 2010).
569:Heaney, Kate (14 July 2010).
541:Heaney, Kate (15 July 2010).
140:PJ "Mick" McLaughlin, aged 21
118:The crash killed eight men.
89:Letterkenny General Hospital
1159:Transport in County Donegal
1175:
1149:July 2010 events in Europe
122:Damien McLaughlin, aged 21
1144:History of County Donegal
1129:2010 disasters in Ireland
198:, called it "an ordeal".
95:after participating in a
64:2010 FIFA World Cup Final
211:Pat "the Cope" Gallagher
159:Health Service Executive
137:Mark McLaughlin, aged 21
271:for further treatment.
202:transport spokesperson
134:James McEleney, aged 23
131:Ciarán Sweeney, aged 19
237:Donegal North-East TD
182:Minister for Transport
128:Eamonn McDaid, aged 22
1101:The Irish Independent
249:deputy First Minister
218:Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
125:Paul Doherty, aged 19
34:collided with a red
927:on 11 November 2011
254:also paid tribute.
143:Hugh Friel, aged 66
1073:The Irish Examiner
892:The Irish Examiner
225:Donegal North-East
170:Political response
106:music festival in
60:accident blackspot
1052:Irish Independent
1026:Irish Independent
955:. 9 February 2012
738:Irish Independent
705:Irish Independent
639:Irish Independent
603:Irish Independent
425:Irish Independent
393:Irish Independent
360:Irish Independent
252:Martin McGuinness
32:Volkswagen Passat
16:(Redirected from
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816:
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790:
789:
787:
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755:
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745:on 1 August 2012
741:. Archived from
728:
722:
721:
719:
717:
712:on 4 August 2012
708:. Archived from
695:
689:
688:
686:
684:
667:
656:
655:
653:
651:
642:. Archived from
629:
620:
619:
617:
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610:on 2 August 2012
594:
588:
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451:
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432:on 4 August 2012
416:
410:
409:
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405:
400:on 2 August 2012
396:. Archived from
383:
377:
376:
374:
372:
367:on 3 August 2012
363:. Archived from
350:
344:
343:
326:
245:Northern Ireland
196:Cecilia Keaveney
21:
1174:
1173:
1169:
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865:The Irish Times
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840:
837:The Irish Times
829:
828:
824:
814:
812:
801:
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793:
783:
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778:The Irish Times
770:
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758:
748:
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725:
715:
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697:
696:
692:
682:
680:
677:The Irish Times
669:
668:
659:
649:
647:
646:on 14 July 2010
631:
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623:
613:
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596:
595:
591:
581:
579:
576:The Irish Times
568:
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553:
551:
548:The Irish Times
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539:
535:
525:
523:
520:The Irish Times
512:
511:
504:
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492:
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461:The Irish Times
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435:
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336:The Irish Times
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172:
150:
116:
73:
46:section of the
28:
23:
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895:. 27 July 2010
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822:
811:. 12 July 2010
791:
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723:
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621:
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491:. 13 July 2010
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108:County Kildare
77:Renault Mégane
72:
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52:County Donegal
36:Toyota Corolla
26:
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578:
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572:
571:"The Victims"
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37:
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1105:. Retrieved
1099:
1089:
1077:. Retrieved
1071:
1061:
1050:
1024:
1000:
990:
979:
969:
957:. Retrieved
950:
941:
929:. Retrieved
925:the original
918:
909:
897:. Retrieved
890:
881:
869:. Retrieved
863:
853:
841:. Retrieved
835:
825:
813:. Retrieved
806:
782:. Retrieved
776:
747:. Retrieved
743:the original
736:
726:
714:. Retrieved
710:the original
703:
693:
681:. Retrieved
675:
648:. Retrieved
644:the original
637:
612:. Retrieved
608:the original
601:
592:
580:. Retrieved
574:
564:
552:. Retrieved
546:
536:
524:. Retrieved
518:
493:. Retrieved
486:
477:
465:. Retrieved
459:
434:. Retrieved
430:the original
423:
414:
402:. Retrieved
398:the original
391:
381:
369:. Retrieved
365:the original
358:
348:
340:
334:
301:
292:
284:
281:
278:
265:
256:
243:
215:
204:Joe Costello
192:Dermot Ahern
185:Noel Dempsey
173:
151:
117:
101:
82:
74:
29:
931:10 November
235:Fianna Fáil
178:Brian Cowen
164:Boston, USA
104:Oxegen 2010
1123:Categories
959:9 February
899:10 January
307:References
239:Jim McDaid
231:Joe McHugh
152:Assistant
222:Fine Gael
175:Taoiseach
99:session.
1139:Buncrana
952:RTÉ News
920:RTÉ News
808:BBC News
488:RTÉ News
262:Funerals
148:Response
93:Buncrana
50:road in
44:Clonmany
40:Buncrana
1107:13 July
1079:14 July
871:22 July
843:19 July
815:12 July
784:13 July
749:14 July
716:13 July
683:13 July
650:13 July
614:14 July
582:14 July
554:15 July
526:14 July
495:13 July
467:13 July
436:12 July
404:14 July
371:12 July
289:Inquest
114:Victims
56:Ireland
38:on the
298:Legacy
269:Dublin
200:Labour
275:Trial
154:Garda
97:bingo
85:Fahan
71:Crash
1109:2023
1081:2023
961:2012
933:2011
901:2016
873:2010
845:2010
817:2010
786:2010
751:2010
718:2010
685:2010
652:2010
616:2010
584:2010
556:2010
528:2010
497:2010
469:2010
438:2010
406:2010
373:2010
48:R238
247:'s
208:MEP
42:to
1125::
1098:.
1070:.
1049:.
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446:^
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357:.
339:.
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315:^
228:TD
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20:)
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