Woman who grew up in care given final warning by judge for ‘hit and run’

A WOMAN who grew up in the foster care system has been brought before the courts for her involvement in a “hit and run” incident in Limerick. 

Mary Foley, 18, of Rathlinn, Castleconnell, “rear-ended” another vehicle on the R445, Dublin Road on March 29, 2025. In his evidence to Limerick District Court, Garda Sean O’Regan, detailed that the woman left the scene. 

Solicitor John Herbert stated that upon questioning, the woman made full admissions to Garda O’Regan. 

Mr Herbert further added in mitigation that the woman has significant mental health issues in the background. 

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Ms Foley was also found to have been driving with no insurance and failing to produce documents on May 27, 2025 at Castlestreet, Limerick. The woman has pleaded guilty to all charges. 

Judge Patricia Harney said that the first incident “should be a wake up call, but she’s still involved in the same activity two months later”, and described the collision as a “hit and run”. 

Judge Harney further stated “I’m not impressed”, and asked the solicitor “Does she realise she’s facing a prison sentence?” 

Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill told the judge that Ms Foley has no previous convictions. The judge adjourned the case until March 25, 2026, for a pre-sanction Probation Report to be prepared.

-Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme