Limerick student served book of evidence for double fatality

THE BOOK of evidence has been served on a young man who is charged with dangerous driving causing the deaths of two of his college friends. 

Patrick Carroll (21) appeared before Newcastle West District Court on Friday and Garda Errol Flynn served the book of evidence in relation to a road traffic collision, which happened at the start of 2024. 

READ ALSO: Major Limerick city development starts phase one of works

Mr Carroll of Drinagh, Fivealley, Birr, Co Offaly, was driving a car involved in a collision on the N69 at Ballyengland, Askeaton on February 20, 2024. 

Darragh Dullea (20) from Clonakilty in Cork  and Cillian Kirwan (19) from Piltown, Kilkenny, both lost their lives in the collision. 

All three young men, as well as another passenger, were all students in Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry at the time. 

They were studying agricultural mechanisation in the agricultural college.  

Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting on behalf of the State,  told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented to the accused being sent forward to the present sittings of Limerick Circuit Court.  

Legal aid was granted to solicitor Daniel Kreith and also for junior counsel, as it is a serious matter.  

Legal aid was granted on the basis that Mr Carroll is a full-time student.

Mr Kreith also indicated that his client intends to give a signed plea of guilty when the opportunity arises and this was noted by the court. 

Judge Carol Anne Coolican, presiding, issued Mr Carroll with a formal alibi warning.

The judge remanded him on bail on his own bond of €100 under the same conditions as before.