Counties Affected
Updated 21 August 2026: this report was regenerated with corrected figures. An earlier version overstated the year-on-year change by comparing against our own incomplete record of the previous year rather than official Road Safety Authority statistics, and included some double-counted incidents. See our methodology.
Overview
Two road collisions between 8 and 9 May 2026 claimed three lives across counties Sligo and Wexford, bringing renewed grief to communities on both sides of the country. Behind each statistic is a person — a son, a friend, a neighbour — and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by these devastating losses.
Incidents
Rathcormack, Co. Sligo — N15 | Saturday, 9 May 2026
Two men lost their lives following a three-vehicle collision on the N15 at Rathcormack, Co. Sligo, at approximately 5.20pm. The N15 is a busy national primary route, and this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that can arise on rural roads, even during the lighter evenings of late spring. Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the collision.
Adamstown, Co. Wexford — L4016 | Friday, 8 May 2026
Jack Egan, aged 22, died following a single-vehicle motorcycle collision near Glenour, Adamstown, Co. Wexford, at around 9.20pm. Jack’s death is a profound loss, and our deepest sympathies go to his family, friends, and all who knew him. Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and incidents like this are a painful reminder of the importance of care and vigilance — for riders and other road users alike.
Year-to-Date Context
So far in 2026, our tally — compiled from published news reports — stands at 59 road deaths up to this point in the year. At the same stage in 2025, the Road Safety Authority recorded 66 fatalities.
It is worth noting an important caveat: our running count is drawn from media reports and tends to run slightly ahead of the official RSA figure, while last year’s comparison is the RSA’s verified total. With that in mind, the difference of approximately 10–11% fewer deaths compared to this time last year is a cautiously encouraging sign, though it is far too early to draw firm conclusions. Every figure in these tallies represents a life lost, and no downward trend diminishes the urgency of continued road safety efforts.
Safety Reminders
The two collisions this period reflect some of the most consistently identified risk factors on Irish roads:
- Multi-vehicle collisions on national routes — Speed, following distance, and driver attention are critical on roads like the N15, where traffic volumes and speeds are higher. Even in good conditions, a momentary lapse can have irreversible consequences.
- Motorcycle safety — Motorcyclists account for a disproportionate share of serious road casualties relative to the distance they travel. The RSA’s Ride to Arrive campaign continues to encourage motorcyclists to wear appropriate protective gear, ride within their limits, and remain visible to other road users. Drivers are reminded to give motorcyclists adequate space and to check carefully at junctions.
With the May bank holiday period behind us and the brighter evenings encouraging more people onto the roads — including cyclists and motorcyclists — awareness and patience from all road users are more important than ever.
Looking Ahead
Three families are facing unimaginable loss this week. Road deaths are not inevitable — they are, in the great majority of cases, preventable. Every journey is an opportunity to make a choice that brings you and everyone around you home safely: reduce your speed, remove distractions, give vulnerable road users space, and never underestimate the conditions ahead.
If you have been affected by road death or serious injury, Anam Cara (www.anamcara.ie) and the RSA’s support resources (www.rsa.ie) offer guidance and assistance to bereaved families.
Sources: Garda Síochána collision notices; local and national news reports. Year-to-date fatality figures are compiled by roaddeaths.ie from published reports and may differ slightly from official RSA statistics.
Report card description: Three people lost their lives in two separate collisions in counties Sligo and Wexford between 8 and 9 May 2026, including 22-year-old motorcyclist Jack Egan. Our year-to-date tally stands at 59 deaths, roughly 10% below the same point last year based on available figures.