Limerick man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of his niece Marguerita O'Rourke
Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.
Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand.
He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on 21 December, 2024.
Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death.
The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her.
Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.'
Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'.
The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own.
'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said.
Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom.
'Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.'
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Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December.
He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date.
Mr O'Donoghue was also facing a fifth offence that he did threaten to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, on the same date.
Lily Buckley told the court that Mr O'Donoghue was pleading guilty to the four other offences outlined 'without prejudice'.
Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December.
A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child.
Thousands of people attended a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following Ms O'Rourke, née Sheridan's, death.
Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her funeral mass.
Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery.
In 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 stated: '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.'
In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused.
Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on 29 October.
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Sunday World
7 days ago
- Sunday World
Man who caused death of niece weeks after she gave birth is gangster's brother
Criminal Assets Bureau claimed that sibling was involved in massive money-laundering operation A MAN who admitted causing the death of his niece after ramming steel gates with a van is the younger brother of a Limerick gangland figure. Danny O'Donoghue (42) pleaded guilty this week to dangerous driving causing the death of 21-year-old Marguerita O'Rourke in Rathkeale just days before Christmas. He also admitted possession of a machete, making threats to kill and causing criminal damage to a van. O'Donoghue who has been in custody since his arrest last December is due to be sentenced in October. His brother John O'Donoghue is a convicted drug dealer who has also been targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau. John recently spent time in Portlaoise Prison before a conviction for a feud-related attack in Rathkeale was quashed on appeal and he was set free last year. His brother Danny appeared by video-link from the same prison this week at Limerick Circuit Court. John O'Donoghue Marguerita O'Rourke, who had her first child just three weeks earlier, had been closing steel gates to a property when Danny O'Donoghue hit the gates, killing her. The property is not far from the house where John O'Donoghue lives and which has been the target of an attempted pipe bomb attack in the past. It was also the scene of raid by the Criminal Assets Bureau. During his two years behind bars, it also emerged in a Cab case that John O'Donoghue was regarded as significant player in massive money laundering scheme. The senior investigating officer also described O'Donoghue as being 'closely associated' with Eds McCarthy, a leading figure in the McCarthy-Dundon gang. In the Cab case against a car firm, Bawn Motors, it was highlighted how O'Donoghue had 'established himself as a key figure in the international drugs trade' and has 'extensive criminal contacts with the wider Traveller community'. It was also stated he had met with Chirsty Keane, the leading member of Limerick's Keane gang at a Rathkeale pub along with one of Keane's most trusted lieutenants Dermot 'Pum' McManus. Flowers at Marguerita's funeral Since Marguerite's death family members have continued to post heartfelt tributes to the young woman expressing their huge sense of loss. Even this as news of the court case went online this week one woman commented: 'My beautiful sister you didn't deserve this l love you so much forever in my heart.' Her death last Christmas came after a number of incidents of violence in the Co Limerick town during the traditional influx of people ahead of Christmas. A house was damaged and in a shocking incident in which a BMW X5 was used to smash into property and was then set alight in November. In October a truck was used to damage a property in another incident and petrol bombs thrown at a house. Three years ago, Rathkeale saw a terrifying incident during the Christmas period in which a series of vehicles were rammed and written off. The Sunday World revealed at the time that the incident came as part of a three-way fight for dominance between criminal gangs. In a video of the aftermath a machete was visible lying on the road. Just a few weeks before Ms O'Rourke's tragic death, a man was attacked by hurley-wielding assailants and his car smashed up in the town. Marguerita O'Rourke (née Sheridan) Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st At one point there were plans to close a number of roads in the town as part of a garda operation did not go ahead after objections from local residents. Ms O'Rourke's funeral became a memorable as well as a huge vigil in the Co Limerick town, where balloons were released into the sky. Among the many heartfelt tributes online was one from her brother Freddy, who said at the time it had taken him days to able to put his feelings into words. He said that Christmas would never be the same, 'not just Christmas; my life will never be the same' and that she had left behind 'a very special boy.' He added that he couldn't believe he was saying 'rest in peace, our Marguerita.' Her father John paid tribute to the people who had shown such public support for the family for the daughter he described as 'a true legend.' Hundreds of family and friends turned out on Christmas at a candlelit vigil in the town on Christmas Eve. In a social media post he thanked 'the gardaí, nurses, doctors, priests, the settled people in Rathkeale, the Travelling people and everyone for their messages. 'The local shops, hotels for everything and everyone who called to my house and everyone over the world, thank you.'
The Journal
17-07-2025
- The Journal
Limerick man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of his niece Marguerita O'Rourke
A MAN PLEADED guilty before a court today to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, and to producing a machete on the same day. Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand. He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on 21 December, 2024. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death. The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her. Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.' Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'. The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own. 'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom. 'Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.' Advertisement Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. Mr O'Donoghue was also facing a fifth offence that he did threaten to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. Lily Buckley told the court that Mr O'Donoghue was pleading guilty to the four other offences outlined 'without prejudice'. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December. A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child. Thousands of people attended a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following Ms O'Rourke, née Sheridan's, death. Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her funeral mass. Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In 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 stated: '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.' In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused. Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on 29 October. 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
Sunday World
17-07-2025
- Sunday World
Limerick man admits causing death of niece weeks after she gave birth
Danny O'Donoghue, (42) admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke. A man pleaded guilty before a court today to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece and to producing a machete on the same day. Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand. He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on December 21st, 2024. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death. The funeral of Marguerita O'Rourke in Rathkeale Picture: Brendan Gleeson The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her. Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.' Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'. The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own. 'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom. Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.' Marguerita O'Rourke (née Sheridan) Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 17th Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. A nolle prosequi is to be entered by the prosecution in respect of Mr O'Donoghue previously being charged with one count of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, also on the same date. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December. A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child. Thousands of people attended at a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following her Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan's death. Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her funeral mass. Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In 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 stated: '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.' In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused. Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on October 29th.
