A MAN was remanded in continuing custody after indicating he was willing to plead guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a young mother last year.
The accused, Danny O’Donoghue (42), of Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, appeared before Limerick District Court this 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 December 21, 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; and causing criminal damage to Mr Sheridan’s van in Rathkeale, all on the same date.
Marguerita had given birth to her first child four weeks prior to her death, after she sustained serious injuries from the crash at Bank Place in Rathkeale.
Mr O’Donoghue’s solicitor, Michael O’Donnell, told the court that Mr O’Donoghue 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 O’Donoghue was “awaiting a Book of Evidence” in respect of the other charges.
Mr O’Donoghue has not sought bail and has been held in custody since his arrest last December.
Prosecuting Sergeant Denis Waters, Roxboro Road Garda station, was granted a four-week adjournment, by consent.
Judge Aine Clancy granted the State a time extension on the service of a Book of Evidence.
The judge remanded O’Donoghue in custody to appear before Limerick District Court on June 10.
Ms O’Rourke and her husband, Denis, celebrated the birth of their first child together, a son, last November.
Thousands of people attended a candlelit vigil on Christmas Eve last and a funeral mass for the deceased, which was held at St Mary’s Church in Rathkeale.
Paying tribute online to his late daughter at the time of her death, John Sheridan, described Ms O’Rourke as “a true legend” who loved horses.
The deceased’s brother, Freddy Sheridan, said “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.”
