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World Day of Remembrance

Help for Road Traffic Victims

Standing Together in Remembrance

The World Day of Remembrance (WDR) for Road Traffic Victims is observed each year on the third Sunday of November. It is a day for families, communities, and nations around the world to remember those who have lost their lives or been seriously injured on our roads, and to honour the bereaved, the survivors, and the emergency service personnel who respond to these tragedies.

World Day of Remembrance 2025

This year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims will take place on Sunday, 16th November. IRVA will host a special national commemoration at 12 noon in the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar. We invite all those affected by road traffic collisions to join us in honouring the lives lost and those left behind.


This video, recorded in the lead-up to the World Day of Remembrance in 2018, features IRVA and the RSA speaking on Ireland AM about the devastating impact of road traffic deaths. Although it aired several years ago, the message remains as vital as ever.

A Song of Reflection and Remembrance

IRVA extends a heartfelt thank you to Mark Irwin for his beautiful and moving performance of Bring Him Home at our 2024 UN World Day of Remembrance event in Bloomfield House. His performance touched the hearts of everyone present as we gathered to honour and remember all those who have lost their lives on our roads.


This powerful moment reminded us of the love, loss, and hope carried by every family affected by road traffic collisions. Through music and shared remembrance, we honour their memory and stand together in solidarity.

A song for Those Forever in Our Hearts

Each year, John Maher, a bereaved father who tragically lost his son Jonathan in a road traffic collision, opens our World Day of Remembrance ceremony with his heartfelt performance of Remember Me. Through this deeply personal song, John pays tribute not only to his beloved son but also to the countless others whose lives have been cut short on our roads.


His moving performance is a powerful reminder of the love, grief, and longing carried by families throughout Ireland who live with the devastating impact of road crashes. By sharing his voice and his story, John helps keep the memory of all road victims alive and reminds us why the work of prevention, remembrance, and support is so vital.

In Memory of Fallen Friends and Road Victims

Noel O’Callaghan, a retired Regimental Sergeant Major and former Vice President of IRVA, leads our World Day of Remembrance each year as Master of Ceremonies. Having lost three of his army colleagues in road traffic collisions, Noel brings personal experience of loss and deep respect for those affected.


Each year, he speaks about the work of IRVA to support victims and prevent further suffering on our roads, reminding us of the human cost behind every statistic

Honouring Lives Lost and Standing Together in Remembrance

Each year, IRVA hosts a special national remembrance ceremony at Bloomfield House in Mullingar, bringing together families from across Ireland. Together, we reflect, remember, and stand in solidarity. The ceremony is followed by the presentation of IRVA Global Light of Hope Award, recognising outstanding compassion, dedication, or advocacy in support of road victims.


In 2012 and 2013 our event was held in the Belvedere House and Gardens Mullingar where we have a Garden of Remembrance for road traffic victims.

A guide for families bereaved by road collisions shows two children hugging each other.

Support and Guidance for Victims & Families

Our victim guide provides essential information for anyone affected by road traffic collisions, especially those grieving the loss of a loved one or coping with serious injury. Developed by victims in collaboration with road safety partners, it aims to fill a long-standing gap in support and help families understand and engage with the legal processes that follow such a tragedy. Please note this is a draft version, and we strongly recommend seeking independent legal advice if you have been impacted.


As a national organisation, IRVA offers free information, emotional support, and practical assistance to victims and their families. If you have been affected, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you through every step of this difficult journey.