23/01/2026
News from Killarney ::
The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow 2026 at INEC Killarney, attended by 1,900 students from Secondary Schools in Co Kerry. Now in its 19th year, the Roadshow is run in partnership with An Garda Siochana, Kerry County Council and members of the emergency services.Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD .Domnick Walsh Photographer is an Irish Aviation Authority ( IAA ) approved Quadcopter Pilot.Tralee Co Kerry Ireland.Mobile Phone : 00 353 87 26 72 033Land Line : 00 353 66 71 22 981E/Mail : [email protected] Site : www.dwalshphoto.ieALL IMAGES ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT ©Over 1,900 Kerry students take part in AXA’s Roadsafe Roadshow amid rising road deaths and serious injuries in 2025 In 2025, 9 people lost their lives and 68 were seriously injured on Kerry roadsYoung drivers under 25 significantly more likely to be injured, with young men at highest risk1,900 students from secondary schools in Kerry attend the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow in partnership with Kerry County Council and An Garda Síochána 22 January 2026: Today, over 1,900 students from across County Kerry participated in the 19th annual AXA Roadsafe Roadshow at the INEC Killarney, an initiative that aims to promote road safety among young adults, a group that is disproportionately at risk on our roads. According to An Garda Síochána, nine people were killed and 68 were seriously injured on Kerry roads in 2025 – meaning that for every life lost, there were almost eight people left with serious, often life‑changing injuries. AXA claims data further highlights the vulnerability of young road users. Drivers under the age of 25 are 75% more likely to have a personal injury claim than drivers aged 25 and over. Young male drivers are at even higher risk, with men aged under 25 being 48% more likely to have a personal injury claim than women in the same age group. In 2025, in Co. Kerry, 843 drivers were detected using their mobile phone while driving and approximately 400 people were arrested for driving under the influence. Road traffic collisions continue to have a devastating impact on families and communities, with 4 people losing their lives on Irish roads so far this year. Now in its 19th year, the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow engages and educates young drivers, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of road safety and the serious impact that behaviours such as speeding, substance use and distraction can have on themselves and others. Organised in partnership with An Garda Siochana and Kerry County Council, along with local emergency services, the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow provides a raw, real‑life depiction of the risks on our roads, including: A re‑enactment of a night out ending in tragedy, illustrating the devastating consequences of reckless driving.First‑hand accounts from emergency responders who attend serious collisions and road fatalities.Personal stories, including those of:Leo Lieghio, who tragically lost his daughter Marsia in a hit‑and‑run over 20 years ago.Seán O’Leary, a minor winner with Kerry who survived a head‑on collision near Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick in 2021 while travelling home from a Munster championship match. Then a 22‑year‑old UL student, Seán suffered two broken legs, a fractured sternum, post‑traumatic stress and required multiple surgeries. He spent eight months in a wheelchair and had to learn to walk again. By sharing how it has affected his life, sport and future, Seán wants to help students understand how one dangerous decision on the road can have lifelong consequences for others. Mick Comerford, Retail Direct Director, AXA said: “When we talk about road safety, the focus is often on fatalities, but behind every collision there are many more people living with serious, sometimes permanent injuries. Our claims data show just how vulnerable young drivers are and highlight the importance of encouraging safer driving habits among younger motorists. The impact extends far beyond those directly involved, with families, friends and entire communities left dealing with the emotional, physical and financial consequences of a serious crash.” “Our message to students is simple: every decision you make on the road carries consequences. By slowing down, putting the phone away, and never driving under the influence, you’re not just protecting lives, you’re preventing life‑changing injuries for yourself, your friends, and your community.” Inspector Gary Carroll, An Garda Siochana said: “Since I have taken up my role as head of the Roads Policing Unit in Kerry, I have attended many Road Traffic Collisions where young people have lost their lives. In my view the majority of these collisions can be prevented by changing driver behaviours and wearing seatbelts. Here in Kerry, we are committed to educating our young people on the dangerous of our roads and we are actively looking at ways to improved driver behaviour. The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow plays a significant part in getting our message across to the drivers of the future.” Declan Keogh, Road Safety Officer, Kerry County Council said: “Kerry County Council is delighted to be associated with the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow. This show is not just a hard-hitting reality check for road users, it delivers real-to-life stories from those who have been involved in or affected by a collision. The TY students from schools across Kerry will hear firsthand those experiences, the challenges, and the trauma suffered by collision survivors and bereaved family members and volved in a collision and I hope everyone takes away from the show, the harsh reality of what can happen on the road and the consequences thereafter.” For more information on the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow please see www.axa.
