Man (40s) to be sentenced for dangerous driving causing death of his niece last Christmas

David Raleigh

A man is to appear in court for sentencing this afternoon after he previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita “Maggie” O’Rourke neé Sheridan.

Danny O’Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the charge before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court last July.

Mr O’Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested 10 months ago, and he has been held on remand at Portlaoise Prison.

He has admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of Ms O’Rourke at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on December 21st, 2024.

Ms O’Rourke, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks before her death.

It’s understood Ms O’Rourke had been closing steel gates to a family property when Mr O’Donoghue, driving a van, ploughed into the gates and his niece, killing her instantly.

Mr O’Donoghue’s barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O’Donnell, told the July hearing: “The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.”

Judge Colin Daly responded that it was a “sad case, indeed”.

The judge said, given the “sensitive” nature of the case, the evidence in the sentencing hearing would “likely take some time, possibly an hour”, and he directed that the court’s afternoon schedule would be set aside to hear the case on its own.

Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the July hearing that “victim impact statements“ would be canvassed from Ms O’Rourke’s loved ones, including her parents, John and Margaret Sheridan.

“The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom,” Ms Buckley added.

Mr O’Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O’Rourke, in respect of the fatal collision.

He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute, on the same date, and to causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, also on the same date.

Mr O’Donoghue was previously also charged with making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, on the same date; however, Ms Buckley explained that Mr O’Donoghue was pleading guilty to the four other offences outlined “without prejudice”.

Three weeks prior to her death, Ms O’Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child, the court heard last July.

Thousands of people attended a candlelit vigil in Rathkeale last Christmas Eve.

Large-sized photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress on her wedding day were erected inside and outside St Mary’s Church, Rathkeale, for her funeral mass.

Her remains were brought from the church in a glass horse-drawn carriage 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.”