TRAGIC LOSS Heartbreaking tributes paid to ‘absolute gentleman’

TRAGIC LOSS Heartbreaking tributes paid to ‘absolute gentleman’ who became first fatality on Irish roads in 2026

Gardaí have launched an appeal for information following a fatal road traffic collision in Co Longford, which has claimed the first life on Irish roads in 2026.

The man who died has been identified locally as Francis “Franco” Kelly, a man in his 30s from Longford town. The collision, which involved two cars and a van, happened at approximately 7pm on Saturday evening on the N4, just beyond the Edgeworthstown roundabout on the Longford side.

Another man, also aged in his 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are understood to be serious but are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed for a period while Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out an examination of the scene, and traffic diversions were put in place.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Kelly, who friends and family have described as a kind and decent man. Locals spoke of him as “a true gentleman.”

In an emotional message shared online, his partner Stephanie Nugent wrote:
“Love you always and forever baby. We will always be together, my boy, forever.”

Family members and relatives also expressed their heartbreak. One cousin said:
“So incredibly sad. Rest in peace Franko. God be with you.”

Another wrote:
“This is devastating. Such a young man. Rest in peace Franko. God help my cousin Stephanie, the children and all the family during this time.”

A further tribute read:
“I can’t believe I’m writing this. Rest in peace to my cousin’s partner, Francie Kelly. You will be deeply missed by so many. Thinking of Stephanie Nugent and the entire family.”

Gardaí are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or who was travelling in the area at the time to come forward. Road users who may have dash-cam footage from the N4 between 6.30pm and 7.15pm on Saturday evening are asked to contact Longford Garda Station on 043 3350570.

Mr Kelly’s death marks the first road fatality in Ireland this year.

Second fatal collision in 2026

A second person has since died on Irish roads in 2026 following a separate incident in Co Kerry.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a single-vehicle collision on the L3013 at Knockdooragh, Headford, at approximately 11.20pm last night. The car struck a tree, and the driver — a man in his 30s — was pronounced dead at the scene.

The latest fatalities come as Garda statistics show that 179 fatal collisions occurred in 2025, resulting in 190 deaths on roads and in public places, including car parks and non-public roadways. This represents an increase on the 175 fatalities recorded in 2024.

Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Sean Canney, described 2025 as an “extremely difficult” year, noting that too many families have suffered devastating losses.

He said the figures serve as a powerful reminder that road safety is not just about data or policy, but about real people and lives forever altered in a moment.

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