Kerry man appears in court charged with dangerous driving causing Limerick teen's death
Pedestrian Rory O’Connor, aged, 17, from Athea died after he was struck by a van in Listowel
A 37-year-old man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Listowel, Co Kerry in which a 17-year-old pedestrian died.
Rory O’Connor, who was from Athea in west Limerick, was struck by a van shortly after 3am on Saturday on the N69 Dromin Upper, in Listowel. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Alan Browne, of Elmsdale Crescent, Birmingham, UK but who is originally from Skehenerin, Listowel, Co Kerry appeared before Cork District Court this Monday morning. Mr Browne faces four charges arising from the fatal collision.
The first count states that on September 26, at Dromin Upper, Listowel he drove a vehicle in a manner that was dangerous, thereby causing the death of Rory O’Connor.
He is also charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. The two other charges against him are of having no insurance and no driving licence at the relevant time.
Sergeant Joe O’Sullivan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He said that Mr Browne made no reply when the charge was put to him following a caution at 8.55pm yesterday.
No bail application was made in the case. Judge David Waters remanded Mr Browne in custody to appear before Listowel District Court on October 1.
Meanwhile, Rory O’Connor celebrated his 17th birthday the day before his death. A fifth year student at a secondary school in Abbeyfeale in Limerick he was a keen hurling supporter, both at local and national level.
The N69 between Cahirdown Roundabout, Listowel and the townland of Derry, Listowel was closed following the incident to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions were put in place.
Gardaí issued an appeal to motorists who may have camera footage or dash cam of the incident to make it available to investigating gardai.
Anyone with information was also asked to contact Listowel garda station on (068) 50820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.