Story perspectives

Musician Glen Hansard Killed in Lucan Motorcycle Crash

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash on R109 Road near Strawberry Beds, Lucan, at 4:30 a.m. on 29 July 2026.
Gardaí launched an investigation, closed the road between the R121 and Rugged Lane and sought witnesses and dash-cam footage.
ATC Management said the family is “deeply shocked and heartbroken” and thanked emergency services.
Hansard, songwriter for “Falling Slowly,” was survived by wife Maire Saaritsa, their 2022-born son, and had concerts in London, Helsinki and Stockholm.

History

Historical Context

The Road Safety Authority, established in September 2006 to address Ireland’s high road-death toll, inherited duties from the National Safety Council and later reduced fatalities to a record 212 in 2010. Glen Hansard’s 2024 fatal crash on the R109 has reignited the RSA’s enforcement role, with Gardaí closing the road and requesting dash-cam footage amid a recent rise to 184 deaths in 2023.

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Story summary

Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash on R109 Road near Strawberry Beds, Lucan, at 4:30 a.m. on 29 July 2026.
Gardaí launched an investigation, closed the road between the R121 and Rugged Lane and sought witnesses and dash-cam footage.
ATC Management said the family is “deeply shocked and heartbroken” and thanked emergency services.
Hansard, songwriter for “Falling Slowly,” was survived by wife Maire Saaritsa, their 2022-born son, and had concerts in London, Helsinki and Stockholm.

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