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THE weekend’s freezing weather claimed its first victim yesterday when a young man was killed after his car skidded and hit a wall less than a mile from his home.

The tragedy came as the country was plunged into a big freeze with snow and ice leaving many roads in a treacherous condition yesterday

David O’Halloran (26) lost control of his car after skidding on ice in his hometown of Thurles, Co Tipperary.

He was the sole occupant of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred just before noon. His death brings to 235 the number to have died on the roads so far this year.


Mr O’Halloran had only returned to Ireland recently after spending time living in Australia.

Tragic

Mr O’Halloran’s parents, Joe and Carmel, and his sister, Danielle, are well-known in the area and his father is heavily involved with the Order of Malta ambulance corp.

It is understood Joe was working for the first aid organisation at the Thurles races when he received the tragic news.

Meanwhile, the country was plunged into near-Arctic conditions with up to 200mm of snow recorded in the North.

Gardai advised drivers to stay at home in some of the worst affected areas, including counties Donegal, Cavan, Meath and mountainous regions in Wicklow.

The Road Safety Authority warned motorists last night to be vigilant following the cold snap.

They said people should be aware of the possibility of black ice on local and regional roads, which were less likely to have been gritted than national primary routes and motorways.

“Even now there are possibly 20 families out there who will be grieving the loss of a loved one over the next two weeks,” a spokesman said.

Elsewhere, the Dublin and Glen of Imaal mountain rescue team was called into action after a climber was injured at Glenmalure.

Two men who were intending to climb in the frozen gullies of the Fraughan Rock Glen in the Glenmalure Valley, required help when one of them fell and sustained a lower leg injury.

His friend had to leave him to get mobile phone coverage to make the call for help.

The man was given first aid treatment and stretchered to a waiting ambulance.

A number of motorists were stranded on the Killakee Road heading for the Wicklow Gap due to icy conditions.

Met Eireann confirmed the bitter cold spell is set to last a few days as temperatures plunged to -4C overnight, with sleet and snow showers mainly in the north and northwest.

The country might yet experience a white Christmas. Met Eireann said it would be able to give a more definitive prediction today. The last year bookmakers faced a massive payout over a white Christmas was 2004. Bookmaker Paddy Power has shortened its odds, with 7/4 on offer for Cork, Dublin and Belfast to enjoy a carpet of snow this Friday.

Co Donegal woke up to a seasonal covering of snow yesterday morning, as did residents in other parts of Ulster, Connacht and west Munster, while a dusting of snow was experienced in the midlands.

Airline passengers endured delays to flights arriving and departing the country’s transport hubs due to snow and icy conditions in the UK, Europe and the eastern coast of the US.

Transatlantic flights from Florida and New York were delayed, while other flights fromStockholm, Manchester, Philadelphia, Brussels and Dusseldorf were cancelled.

Age Action Ireland urged people to make contact with elderly neighbours during the cold snap, particularly as support services such as meals on wheels may cease for a short period over Christmas.

Europe freezes

- Stephen O’Farrell, Louise Hogan and Anita Guidera

Irish Independent