Man charged with dangerous driving causing death of young mother indicates guilty plea in court
A MAN WAS remanded in continuing custody today after indicating he was willing to plead guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a young mother, last year.
The accused, Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, appeared before Limerick District Court on Tuesday.
Mr O'Donoghue is accused of dangerous driving causing the death of 21-year old Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, on 21 December 2024, and with causing criminal damage to a set of gates at the same location on the same date.
The court heard that Mr O'Donoghue is also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a Patrick Sheridan; producing a machete during the course of making the alleged threat to Mr Sheridan; and causing criminal damage to Mr Sheridan's van, all on the same date, in Rathkeale.
Marguerita O'Rourke née Sheridan, had given birth to her first child four weeks prior to her death, after she sustained serious injuries at Bank Place, Rathkeale.
Mr O'Donoghue's solicitor, Michael O'Donnell, told the court that Mr O'Donoghue had previously indicated he was 'prepared to offer a signed plea to dangerous driving causing death, and that is still his position'.
Mr O'Donnell said Mr O'Donoghue was 'awaiting a Book of Evidence' in respect of the other charges, indicating the accused was planning on contesting these charges.
Advertisement
Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail and has been held on remand in custody since his arrest last December.
Prosecuting Sergeant, Denis Waters, Roxboro Road garda station, applied for, and was granted a four-week adjournment, by consent.
Judge Aine Clancy also granted the State a time-extension on the service of a Book of Evidence should one be required.
The judge remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody to appear before Limerick District Court, via video-link, for further directions in the case, on 10 June.
Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, celebrated the birth of their first child together, a son, last November.
Thousands of people attended a candle lit vigil on Christmas Eve last and a funeral mass for the deceased, which was held at St Mary's Church, Rathkeale.
Paying an online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan, described Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan as 'a true legend' who loved 'horses'.
The deceased's brother Freddy Sheridan started: 'It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way…Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister.'
The State Pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis, performed a post mortem on Ms O'Rourke nee Sheridan's body, however Gardai did not release the results of the autopsy for operational reasons.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Dublin Live
29 minutes ago
- Dublin Live
Scary scenes as thief wielding knife robs North Dublin off-licence
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gardaí have launched an investigation after a shocking knife-point robbery at an off-licence in North Dublin. The distressing incident occurred in Kilbarrack last Thursday, when the shop was robbed for an amount of cash by a knife-wielding assailant and it was captured on camera. In the shocking CCTV footage, a shopkeeper can be seen talking to a customer wearing a grey tracksuit and black snood covering the bottom part of his face, reports the Irish Mirror. The pair talk for around 20 seconds before the shop attendant hands the man a pack of cigarettes, before the man in front of the counter pulls a blade from his pants and reaches over the counter, pointing it at the young attendant who puts his hands up. The brave young man then opens the till as the thief stands there, knife in hand, before handing the brazen robber a large stack of cash. The thief then leaves the store as the shocked store worker puts his hands on his chest in relief. Gardaí confirmed investigations are ongoing following the distressing incident. A Garda spokesperson said.: "Gardaí received report of an incident of robbery that occurred at approximately 9:20pm on 5 June in the Kilbarrack area of Dublin 5. No injuries were reported. Investigations are ongoing." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Colm Meaney ‘haunting' as Ian Bailey but mixed reviews emerge for new Jim Sheridan film on tragic Sophie murder
ACTOR Colm Meaney has been hailed for his 'haunting' performance as Ian Bailey in Jim Sheridan's new film about the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Re-Creation premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in Advertisement 5 Colm Meaney stars as Ian Bailey in the new film about Sophie Toscan du Plantier's murder Credit: PR Handout image 5 Sophie was murdered in her holiday home in 1996 5 Bailey was investigated by the Gardai for her murder Credit: Sky UK 2021 / Barbara McCarthy Inspired by the The British journalist was investigated by But the Irish He Advertisement READ MORE ON SOPHIE'S CASE Sophie's uncle Undoubtedly there will be much interest in how While the Bailey character appears only in silence, website writes that: 'His presence looms large. His mute performance is haunting — it reflects how Bailey, a man loudly protesting his innocence for decades, was silenced more by public opinion than by any court.' However, reviews of the Advertisement Most read in TV The HoloFiles wrote: 'As the film progresses, a critical error becomes clear. Re- Creation does very little to orient viewers to the case of 'It heavily depends on prior exposure to and familiarity with the murder of Toscan Du Plantier. Sophie Toscan du Plantier's son on RTE's Late Late Show – saying he's 'ready to close chapter' after Bailey death 'If, like us, you approach the film without a rather thorough understanding of the case, there will be more than a few times where you find yourself confused.' 'COMPELLING VIEWING' But the reviewer added: 'Even when the film becomes muddled in confusing details of the case, the interactions between the members of the jury make for compelling viewing.' Advertisement HoloFiles also praised the movie's 'authentic performances'. They include director Jim, who plays Juror 1, who the website lauds for his 'extraordinary naturalism, so much so that one often feels like you're watching an actual person in a documentary'. Contacted by 'Not a likeable character, regardless of whether he was the killer of not.' Advertisement 'As the film progresses, a critical error becomes clear. Re- Creation does very little to orient viewers to the case of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier." HoloFiles Critics also praised Phantom Thread actress Vicky Krieps as Juror 8, who kicks off the story as the lone holdout of the jury. Unlike the others, Krieps' character feels the murder case warrants a not-guilty verdict, much to the utter dismay of the other jurors. The film shows flashbacks to evidence being presented by Aidan Gillen, who plays prosecutor Hamilton Barnes, while Vicky intensely battles over the verdict with But website The HoloFiles said that 'as a film about an investigation, Re-Creation falls short'. Advertisement 'NOT TRYING TO UPSET THEM' Sheridan, a six-time He added: 'I'm not trying to upset them, I'm not trying to do anything to them. 'But if there's a possibility that Ian Bailey didn't do it and he's pursued and hounded for 25 years, you can't cure one crime by committing another.' No release date has yet been given for Re-Creation in Ireland. Advertisement TIMELINE OF SOPHIE CASE December 23, 1996: Sophie's battered body, still in night clothes, is found outside her holiday home near Schull, west Cork, by a neighbour. February 10, 1997: Ian Bailey is arrested at his home for the murder but is later released. April 17, 1997: Inquest hears Sophie died from multiple injuries, including laceration of the brain and skull fracture, caused by a blunt instrument. January 27, 1998: Ian Bailey is arrested and quizzed for a second time, but is again released without charge. January 2002: A review is ordered into the murder investigation after a highly critical report is written by a solicitor. June 2008: A French magistrate orders the exhumation of Sophie's body for a post-mortem and forensic examination. July 2008: An inquiry into the handling of the murder probe recommends no prosecution. June to October 2009: French authorities travel to West Cork to view the crime scene and meet Irish investigators. Two Garda detectives travel to February 19, 2010: A French judge issues a European Arrest Warrant. April 23, 2010: March 18, 2011: High Court orders Bailey to surrender to European arrest warrant but he appeals to Supreme Court. March 1, 2012: The Supreme Court rules in Bailey's favour in his appeal against extradition. May 31, 2019: Bailey is found guilty of Sophie's murder in his absence in France. He is sentenced to 25 years in June 21, 2019: French authorities issue a third October 12, 2020: High Court rules against Bailey being extradited. Later, State decides not to appeal. It ends attempts to extradite Bailey. 5 Jim Sheridan said the film was not intended to cause any distress to Sophie's family Credit: Getty Images - Getty 5 No release date has been announced yet for Ireland Credit: PR Handout image
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Two elderly men rushed to hospital after horror single-vehicle crash involving Range Rover in Co Tyrone as appeal issued
TWO ELDERLY men have been rushed to the hospital following a single-vehicle traffic collision on a busy road in Co Tyrone. The crash, involving a silver Range Rover, occurred in the Ballymagowan Road area of Advertisement The The driver of the vehicle, a man aged in his 80s, and the accompanying passenger, a man in his 90s, were both transported to the It is unknown how severe their injuries from the crash are. The cops reported that the road was closed for a period of time to facilitate emergency services, with local diversions put in place. Advertisement READ MORE ON PSNI The road has now fully reopened since the incident was cleared. The PSNI confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. PSNI Inspector Morton said: "The driver of the vehicle, a man aged in his 80s, and accompanying passenger, a man aged in his 90s, were both transported to hospital for treatment to their injuries. "The road was closed for a time to facilitate emergency services, but has now fully reopened to road users. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "Our investigation is underway to determine what happened, and we are especially keen to hear from anyone who has footage of the vehicle in the area prior to, or at the time of the collision." Gardai and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads People with information or dash-cam, mobile or other footage are urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 995 07/06/25. Separately, two men were hospitalised following The incident, which left both motorcyclists with injuries, occurred on the R415 in Boley Little, Athy Co Advertisement SERIOUS INJURIES One of the men on a motorbike, who is aged in his 20's, was taken straight to Tallaght He is being treated for serious injuries. The second Advertisement He is being treated for injuries believed to be non life threatening. No other injuries were reported from the scene of the collision. The And Advertisement 1 The crash took place in the Ballymagowan Road area of Clogher Credit: Google Streetview
