Female motorist to plead guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Limerick teacher

A 32-YEAR-OLD west Clare woman charged in connection with the dangerous driving causing the death of “inspirational” Limerick school teacher, Michael Lorigan, aged 70, is to go forward to the circuit court on a signed guilty plea, a court was told this Tuesday.

At Kilrush District Court today, Saoirse Lillis McMahon of Moveen East, Kilkee is charged with the dangerous driving causing the death of cyclist, Michael Lorigan on August 16, 2023 on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee in west Clare, 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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Sergeant Frank O’Grady told the court today that “the defendant has agreed to go forward on a signed plea” to the circuit court.

In response, Judge Alec Gabbett said: “That is very helpful for the family where a signed plea means no trial which is some comfort to people involved on the other side of this.”

The signed plea of guilty also removes the requirement of the State to prepare a Book of Evidence in the case for the circuit court.

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. 

Ms Lillis McMahon also faces a charge of driving a defective vehicle which was a danger to the public at the same location on the same date contrary to section 54(1) & (4) Road Traffic Act.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to October 1 to Ennis District Court “for the signed plea to move the matter forward to the circuit court”.

Originally from Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon, Co 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-1970s 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.