Man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of niece
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 21, 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.
The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
'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.'
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 29.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
13 minutes 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.'
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Plumber who allegedly voiced 'extremist' views in IPAS attack given rally ban
A plumber, who allegedly voiced "extremist" views during an assault and criminal damage at a Tallaght IPAS centre, has been ordered to avoid rallies and social media posts inciting hate or violence. Declan Stubbs, 34, of Bolbrook Drive, Tallaght, Dublin, was told "people have a right to be in the State" by Judge Catherine Ghent at Dublin District Court on Saturday. The warning came at the end of a bail ruling after Mr Stubbs was charged with causing €1,000 worth of criminal damage by kicking the door of St John's House, on High Street, during a drink-fuelled incident on Friday. He also had a connected charge for trespassing at the IPAS centre, a minor assault of a named male there, resisting arrest, using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour and being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself and others. Garda Gavin Cribbin objected to bail due to the seriousness of the incident, telling the court that Mr Stubbs was accused of assaulting a security guard after he had to be removed from the building and kicked the door. The garda said Mr Stubbs was arrested at the scene, at the IPAS centre, and there was video footage. The court heard claims Mr Stubbs expressed extremist political, anti-immigration views. Garda Cribbin feared the accused would interfere with staff or residents at the centre. His phone had been seized. Defence counsel Kevin McCrave argued that his client could be freed on bail with conditions. The Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin (Image: Getty Images) He told Judge Ghent that the father-of-one had received bad personal news on Friday, was off his medication, and could not remember threatening anyone because he was intoxicated. Counsel added that his client worked full-time for a company and paid rent. Setting bail, Judge Ghent ordered Mr Stubbs not to go within three kilometres of the IPAS centre, except when he has to sign on three days a week at the nearby Garda station. He also has to provide his phone number. She ordered Mr Stubbs to refrain from extremist posts on social media, "for clarity, they are posts that would incite hate and/or violence." The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week The garda did not believe Mr Stubbs attended immigration rallies. However, the judge directed him not to attend rallies or marches reasonably considered as inciting hatred or violence. She let him know that breaking the bail terms would not be tolerated and would put him in a difficult situation. Disclosure of evidence to the defence was ordered. Mr Stubbs spoke only to consult with his barrister and to confirm he understood the judge's order. He was ordered to appear at Tallaght District Court on September 8 to enter a plea. Sign up to the Irish Mirror's Courts and Crime newsletter here and get breaking crime updates and news from the courts direct to your inbox.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Funeral details announced for 'kind, caring and gentle' teen killed in crash
A teenage girl who tragically passed away in hospital from injuries sustained in a road traffic crash in Co Galway will be laid to rest this weekend. The two-car collision occurred at Ballygaddy Road in Tuam at approximately 6.05pm on Sunday (July 13). Samantha Gannon, 19, was driving one of the vehicles and was rushed to University Hospital Galway (UHG) with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, she passed away in hospital on Wednesday. The driver and passenger in the second vehicle, a man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s, were also taken to UHG for non-life-threatening injuries. Samantha's family have confirmed that the tragic teenager will be will be laid to rest alongside her grandfather Paddy on Sunday. Samantha will lie in repose at Glynn's Funeral Home on High Street, Tuam, from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday afternoon, followed by removal to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, where her funeral will be held at 3pm on Sunday. Samantha Gannon sadly passed away Following the funeral service, Samantha will be laid to rest with her beloved grandfather Paddy Gannon in Abbeyknockmoy Cemetery. Tributes continue to pour in for the popular young woman, who was training to be a nurse at Atlantic Technological University in Galway. While studying for her nursing degree, Samantha worked at Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam, with her colleagues writing in a message shared online: "Gone too soon but never forgotten. We honour the memory of our beloved colleague Samantha whose presence brought comfort and care to many. You had a gently soul and caring heart. We will miss you deeply. Sincere condolences to Bridie, Frank, and all of Samantha's family and friends. May she rest in peace." A family friend said: "So so sorry Frank and Bridie & Alex, Chloe, Megan, To Nanny Mary and all Samantha's cousins, Uncles and Aunties, and Friends on your huge loss, Samantha's beautiful smile and warm personality will be missed but fondly remembered. May Samantha rest in peace." While a classmate's of Samantha's at ATU said: "Rest in peace Samantha. You were the kindest soul, so gentle and a friendly smiling face always around college. My deepest condolences to your family. You left a beautiful memory in everyone's lives that were privileged enough to meet you. Sleep tight sweetheart, you'll never be forgotten." The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week Gardaí are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the collision to come forward. Anybody who was in the Ballygaddy Road area between 5.50pm and 6.15pm and who may have witnessed the incident should contact investigating gardaí. Any road users who were travelling in this vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí. Gardaí can be contacted at the Tuam garda station on 093 70840, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here.
