Woman, 65, appears in court in connection with fatal road traffic collision in Limerick

A WOMAN has appeared in court in connection with a fatal road traffic collision which claimed the life of a motorcyclist in County Limerick.

Jack O’Donoghue, aged 33, was pronounced deceased at the scene at Clounreask, Askeaton - near his home - on April 9, 2025.

This Monday, Catherine Russell, aged 65, of Ballyengland, Askeaton, appeared before Limerick District Court.

She is accused of careless driving, failing to report an occurrence, failing to stop, failing to give appropriate information and failing to remain at the scene. 

The five offences, all contrary to the Road Traffic Act, are alleged to have occurred on the N69, Clounreask, Askeaton on April 9, 2025.

Around a dozen members of Mr O’Donoghue’s family attended the district court sitting in Limerick Courthouse, Mulgrave Street for the short procedural matter.

Sergeant Aisling O’Neill, prosecuting on behalf of the State, was assisted by the investigating garda, Barry Culhane.

Sgt O’Neill said: “These are matters that are linked with a serious investigation. 

“I have an application for these matters to be adjourned to February 24 at Newcastle West District Court for DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) directions.”

Sgt O’Neill added that a substantial file is gone to the DPP.

Judge Patricia Harney, presiding, adjourned the case to next month with the consent of Sarah Ryan, solicitor for Ms Russell.

Ms Ryan made an application for legal aid, on behalf of her client. 

“It is an extremely serious matter,” said Ms Ryan.

Judge Harney granted the legal aid application before adjourning matters back to Newcastle West District Court on February 24.

Warm tributes were paid to Mr O'Donoghue, an electrician by trade, following his sudden passing. He was remembered by many as a “pure gentleman”.