Menu
19/03/2008
Rome Hit and Run Victims Identified
The two Irish women killed in a hit and run incident in Rome on St Patrick’s Day have been identified by Italian Police.
Elizabeth Mary Gubbins, 27, from Co Limerick, and Mary Clare Collins, 28, from Ballyadams in Co Kildare, died instantly after being struck by a Mercedies driven by a drunk driver.
The women had been walking across a Zebra crossing near the Vatican in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a night out celebrating St Patrick’s Day. The women had only arrived in Rome on Friday and were visiting the capital with two other friends who had returned to their hotel room earlier that night.
The driver of the vehicle, 32 year-old Friedrich Vernarelli, is the son of a former prominent police chief - who had ironically campaigned for improved road safety and the installation of traffic lights on the very same road the young women were killed.
The drunken man had fled the scene after the accident, but was later caught by police after crashing further down the road.
He was found to be four times over the legal drink-drive limit, and was charged with drunken driving, manslaughter, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and offer help and damaging private property.
Mr Vernarelli refused to be tested for drugs and has been released on bail.
Rome's Mayor Walter Veltroni expressed his outrage at the bail decision and said: "It is not acceptable that the person responsible for the deaths of two people on a zebra crossing is on bail at home.
"He was stopped some distance from the scene and was found to be four times over the limit and now video has emerged of him fooling around at the wheel. What signal is this to send out?''
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said it was offering consular assistance to the women's families.
(DW)
Elizabeth Mary Gubbins, 27, from Co Limerick, and Mary Clare Collins, 28, from Ballyadams in Co Kildare, died instantly after being struck by a Mercedies driven by a drunk driver.
The women had been walking across a Zebra crossing near the Vatican in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a night out celebrating St Patrick’s Day. The women had only arrived in Rome on Friday and were visiting the capital with two other friends who had returned to their hotel room earlier that night.
The driver of the vehicle, 32 year-old Friedrich Vernarelli, is the son of a former prominent police chief - who had ironically campaigned for improved road safety and the installation of traffic lights on the very same road the young women were killed.
The drunken man had fled the scene after the accident, but was later caught by police after crashing further down the road.
He was found to be four times over the legal drink-drive limit, and was charged with drunken driving, manslaughter, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and offer help and damaging private property.
Mr Vernarelli refused to be tested for drugs and has been released on bail.
Rome's Mayor Walter Veltroni expressed his outrage at the bail decision and said: "It is not acceptable that the person responsible for the deaths of two people on a zebra crossing is on bail at home.
"He was stopped some distance from the scene and was found to be four times over the limit and now video has emerged of him fooling around at the wheel. What signal is this to send out?''
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said it was offering consular assistance to the women's families.
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 March 2008
Irish Women Killed In Rome
Two Irish women in their 20s have been killed in a hit and run accident while in Rome on St Patrick’s Day. The women aged 27 and 29 were in the Italian capital on Monday night and it is believed they were struck by a Mercedes while crossing the road. The driver of the car fled the scene before being arrested by Italian police.
Irish Women Killed In Rome
Two Irish women in their 20s have been killed in a hit and run accident while in Rome on St Patrick’s Day. The women aged 27 and 29 were in the Italian capital on Monday night and it is believed they were struck by a Mercedes while crossing the road. The driver of the car fled the scene before being arrested by Italian police.
03 March 2014
Bacik Launches Events To Celebrate International Women's Week
Labour Senator Ivana Bacik today launched a programme of events to celebrate International Women's Week at Trinity College Dublin, alongside Sheelan Yousefizadeh, a student activist on human rights in Iran. The theme designated by the United Nations for International Women's Day this year (8th March) is that of 'Women Inspiring Change'.
Bacik Launches Events To Celebrate International Women's Week
Labour Senator Ivana Bacik today launched a programme of events to celebrate International Women's Week at Trinity College Dublin, alongside Sheelan Yousefizadeh, a student activist on human rights in Iran. The theme designated by the United Nations for International Women's Day this year (8th March) is that of 'Women Inspiring Change'.
21 February 2012
The Irish Cancer Charity Launches Advertising Campaign
The Irish Cancer Society has launched its first major advertising campaign aimed specifically at young women who smoke. The Irish Cancer Society is concerned by the high level of female smokers under-35 and believes that the number of tobacco related diseases in women is reaching epidemic proportions.
The Irish Cancer Charity Launches Advertising Campaign
The Irish Cancer Society has launched its first major advertising campaign aimed specifically at young women who smoke. The Irish Cancer Society is concerned by the high level of female smokers under-35 and believes that the number of tobacco related diseases in women is reaching epidemic proportions.
27 August 2008
Third Of Irish Births Outside Marriage
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show a third of Irish babies were born outside marriage last year. The statistics revealed by the CSO detail the death and birth patterns for the whole Sate. According to the figures, over two in five births in 2007 were to first time mothers, with 33% of births outside marriage.
Third Of Irish Births Outside Marriage
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show a third of Irish babies were born outside marriage last year. The statistics revealed by the CSO detail the death and birth patterns for the whole Sate. According to the figures, over two in five births in 2007 were to first time mothers, with 33% of births outside marriage.
14 November 2008
Ryanair Offer Apology On Rome Airport Closure
The budget carrier, Ryanair has offered an apology after the unexpected closure of Rome's Ciampino Airport this week - following the emergency landing of a Ryanair flight there on Monday - which led to knock-on problems for passengers travelling to and from the Italian city.
Ryanair Offer Apology On Rome Airport Closure
The budget carrier, Ryanair has offered an apology after the unexpected closure of Rome's Ciampino Airport this week - following the emergency landing of a Ryanair flight there on Monday - which led to knock-on problems for passengers travelling to and from the Italian city.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
