A 6-yr-old girl who died after being struck by a truck while cycling on the outskirts of Galway city over the weekend has been identified locally as Ula Grigaityte. The tragic collision took place at the junction of Headford Road and Sandyvale Lawn around noon on Saturday, casting a pall over the community.
Ula lived with her family in a nearby estate, not far from the scene of the accident. Scoil Róis Primary School in Salthill, where she was a Senior Infants student, mourned her loss deeply. School principal Michele McCarra, in a statement reported by RTÉ, called it a “terrible tragedy” for Ula’s family and the school, expressing profound sadness and noting that Ula’s absence would be keenly felt by all who knew her.
The school has reached out to Ula’s parents, respecting their need for privacy during this devastating time, while acknowledging the flood of support offers from the community. Scoil Róis has activated its Critical Incident Management Plan, with psychologists from the National Education Psychological Service stepping in to guide staff on supporting students through their grief. The school has also opened its doors to parents, providing advice and a space to process the loss.
At the crash site, a growing tribute of flowers, teddies, and candles reflects the community’s sorrow. Local resident Eileen Curran told RTÉ News the area feels shrouded in grief, describing Ula as a beautiful child whose death has left everyone reeling. Another neighbor, Niluka Vidyarathne, shared with RTÉ that she couldn’t sleep, haunted by the thought of her own six-year-old daughter facing a similar fate.
Sinéad O’Donnell, a resident of the estate, spoke to RTÉ about laying flowers to honor Ula, emphasizing her intent to show respect and stand in solidarity with the family. The outpouring of tributes and support underscores the deep impact of Ula’s death on Galway, as the community rallies to remember a young life cut short.
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