Ban for motorist who was caught driving alongside sulky race on busy Limerick road

A MAN who was observed by Gardaí driving alongside an illegal sulky race on one of the busiest roads in Limerick has been disqualified from driving for two years. 

Garda Dermot Hallett of the divisional Roads Policing Unit told Kilmallock District Court that just after 8.30am on June 1, 2024 he witnessed two men 'spectating' at an unauthorised sulky race on the N20, Croom bypass. 

The court heard that Robert Joseph McNamara, aged 25, of Grattan Court, Clare Street, Limerick was driving dangerously during the sulky race which took up the majority of the road. 

In the same car, Johnathon Lyons, aged 33, who lives at a separate address at Gratton Court, Clare Street, Limerick was observed hanging out of the passenger window as the horses raced on the Croom bypass. 

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Up to eight other vehicles were involved in the race and as a consequence, Judge Patricia Harney was told other motorists were unable to use the road.

Mr Lyons has 47 previous convictions to his name - for offences including theft, public order, drink driving and driving without insurance. 

While accepting her client's previous record is “unenviable," solicitor Julianne Kiely said both he and Mr McNamara had “come upon" the sulky race and were not involved in organising it.

Mr McNamara - a father of five - has one previous conviction for driving without tax.

Judge Harney commented that Mr Lyons had “displayed a recklessness regarding his own life” on the morning, that was not befitting a father of two young children.  

However, she accepted he has taken a "positive turn generally" since and that he is not facing any further proceedings.

Johnathon McNamara was disqualified from driving for two years and the judge agreed to defer the commencement of the ban until April 19, 2026. A fine of €500 was also imposed.

Mr Lyons was fined €300 for an offence under the Control of Horses Act.