A WOMAN has been released without charge after she was arrested as part of an investigation into an alleged “hit and run collision” which left a senior Garda seriously injured.
Niall Flood, who is in his fifties and a Garda Inspector at Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick City, suffered multiple injuries in the incident last Thursday evening.
Inspector Flood, who was off-duty at the time, was cycling on the R522 near Dromcollogher when he was struck by a car at around 7.15pm in what Gardaí described as a “hit and run collision”.
He was airlifted from the scene by the Irish Community Air Ambulance to Cork University Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
A woman in her twenties was arrested on Thursday night as part of the Garda probe and subsequently released pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Inspector Flood, who is a native of Kilmore, County Roscommon, was described by West Limerick Fine Gael Councillor Liam Galvin as an “excellent Garda”.
“I’ve known Niall a long time, it’s just heartbreaking, because Niall is an absolute gentleman, and has always had the community at heart, and my heart is breaking for the man.”
“He is one of the good guys, and our thoughts are with him and his wife. I just hope he will get well.”
In a statement issued on Monday, a Garda spokesman said: “The woman in her 20s arrested as part of the investigation into a serious road traffic collision that occurred in County Limerick on Thursday, June 30, has been released without charge.”
“A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
“The cyclist, a man in his 50s, remains in Cork University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.”
“Gardaí are continuing to appeal to any person who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Any road users who were travelling on the R522 between Dromcollogher and Feohanagh at the time of the incident with camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.”
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
