Elderly Woman Dies After Pedestrian Collision in Buncrana, Gardaí Seek Witnesses

BUNCRANA, Ireland — An elderly woman who died after being struck by a car in Buncrana, County Donegal, has been identified as Rose Byrne, 80, of Mill Brae. The incident occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the junction of Lower Main Street and St Oran’s Road.

Byrne was one of two pedestrians hit by a vehicle during the collision. She was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital but succumbed to her injuries on Sunday. Gardaí are investigating the incident and have appealed for witnesses or dash-cam footage from anyone traveling on Main Street between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the day of the accident.

Rose Byrne, a beloved mother and grandmother, was reportedly accompanied by a family member at the time of the tragedy. Her son, Dermot Byrne, a well-known musician who has performed with artists like Altan and Sharon Shannon, is among her surviving family members. Byrne was predeceased by her son Thomas and brothers Jim and Joe Gallagher.

Gardaí have notified the coroner, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted. Funeral arrangements for Byrne have not yet been finalized.

In a separate incident, a man in his 40s died after being struck by a car on the N54 at Plush, Cloverhill, County Cavan, on Saturday night. The collision occurred around 10:45 p.m., and investigations into both incidents are ongoing.