Family's appeal at vigil for young man who died at Mayo accident black spot

A vigil has been held in the village of Breaffy, Castlebar, in memory of all those who lost their lives in road traffic accidents at the location in recent years.

The event marked the first anniversary of the passing, in his early 30s, of David Joseph Henning, Killawalla, Westport, and formerly of South Africa and UK, who died as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic crash in the village on December 27, 2021.

The vigil was organised by members of the Henning family and was attended by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach, and Councillor Blackie Gavin, leas-cathaoirlech, Castlebar Municipal District.

It took place at the site of the crash which claimed David's life and a minute's silence was observed at 5.40 p.m., the time at which he had been pronounced deceased.

Speaking on behalf of the family, David's sisters, Leigh and Mary, expressed disappointment that a 100 km/h speed limit still applied at the location.

They appealed for the limit to be significantly reduced in order to improve road safety along the dangerous stretch of roadway.

Supporting the Henning family in their call, Councillor Kilcoyne said the speed limit should be reduced to 60km/h as a matter of urgency, citing the fact that four people had died in recent years as a result of fatal accidents on the N60 at Breaffy.

Members of Castlebar Municipal District are due to make a decision in the coming weeks on a proposal to introduce traffic calming measures in Breaffy next year, which will reduce the speed limit to 80 km/h.

However, Councillor Kilcoyne said he will be insisting on a 60 km/h limit when the matter comes before a meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District.