Clare woman charged with dangerous driving causing death of 'inspirational' teacher in Limerick

A 32-YEAR-OLD west Clare woman has appeared in court charged in connection with the dangerous driving causing death of an “inspirational” school teacher in Limerick, Michael Lorigan, aged 70.

At Ennis District Court, Saoirse Lillis McMahon, of Moveen, Kilkee is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of cyclist, Mr Lorigan on August 16, 2023 on the N67 Baunmore, Kilkee contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act. 

The fatal road traffic incident occurred at around 12.30pm on the day.

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Ms Lillis McMahon is also charged with driving her 02-CE registered vehicle at the same location on the same date while being under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. 

In court, Garda Ken Butler told Judge Alec Gabbett that there is also a summons concerning a defective vehicle relating to the same incident under Section 54 of the Road Traffic Act and he said that is due to be put before the court on September 9 next.

Judge Gabbett told solicitor, John Casey for Ms Lillis McMahon that “the driving has to stop here. I am more concerned about the tiomáint”.

Mr Casey said that Ms Lillis McMahon has stopped driving and there is a possibility of his client going forward to Ennis Circuit Court on a signed plea.

Mr Casey said that he has spoken to counsel on the matter.

Sergeant Frank O’Grady told the court that the only charge going forward to the circuit court is the dangerous driving causing death case.

Judge Gabbett said that he presumed that the new driving under the influence of an intoxicant charge would be added to the indictment.

Solicitor, Daragh Hassett told the court that he holds a watching brief for the Lorigan family in the case.

Originally from Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon, County Clare and living in Kilkishen in east Clare at the time of his death, Mr Lorigan taught for a number of decades at the Model School in Limerick city.

Mr Lorigan taught there from the mid-seventies until his retirement and was remembered as an inspirational, kind, patient, dedicated and wonderful teacher in the many tributes from former students at the time of his death in August 2023.

In later years, Mr Lorigan became a keen cyclist, and took part in the Clare 250 mile cycle many times.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September 9 next.