Safety campaign in memory of Conor

YOUNG school
pupils in Cabra have kick-started a driver safety campaign in memory of local
road victim Conor Hickey who was killed before Christmas.

The students of
Colaiste Mhuire and Gaelscoil Bharra are appealing to motorists to slow down
and drive safely to prevent needless deaths in the area.

The campaign is
in memory of Conor, a second year student at Colaiste Mhuire, who was knocked
down at the junction of St Eithne Road and Faussagh Road.

Conor, who
lived on St Attracta Road, was a talented player with Naomh Fionnbarra GAA club
and a popular schoolboy who brought a smile to the face of many.

According to
school friend Shannon Ni Lionsigh, students have had enough of dangerous
drivers putting lives at risk in Cabra.

“We were all
devastated and shocked when Conor died,

? she told Northside People.

“I was good
friends with him since primary school. He was funny, cheerful and always walked
around with a smile on his face.

“Every day we
see people breaking lights, texting on their phones while driving and speeding
and we’re not prepared to put up with this anymore.

?

She added:

“We
decided that for our own safety we wanted to give motorists a wake up call
through our driver safety campaign.

?

The students
have been selling wristbands that ask motorists to pledge they will drive
safely and posters appealing for safe driving have also been put up in the
locality.

A graffiti
garden in memory of Conor was officially opened to coincide with the launch of
the campaign, which is supported by local gardai.

The garden,
which is a colourful, peaceful place for refection, features artwork by
students, including Conor himself.

Principal Sean
O’Donaile, of Gaelscoil Bharra, praised the students for overcoming their grief
to do something positive for the community.

“There’s a very
high level of traffic through Cabra which in itself poses risks to pedestrians
but added to that you have drivers who are breaking red lights, texting while
driving and speeding,

? he explained.

“We don’t want
any more loss of life and we hope that by highlighting what’s going on that
motorists will think about their behaviour.

“The students
are fantastic for coming up with a meaningful way to make something positive
from Conor’s death.

?