Student driving in Limerick collision charged with dangerous driving causing death

A YOUNG man whose two friends died in a collision in Askeaton has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.

Patrick Carroll, aged 21, of Drinagh, Fivealley, Birr, Co Offaly, is accused of dangerous driving causing death on the N69 at Ballyengland, Askeaton on February 20, 2024.

Darragh Dullea who was 20 at the time of the incident, from Clonakilty in Cork, and Cillian Kirwan, aged 19, from Piltown in Kilkenny were both killed in the collision.

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

They were second year students in Agricultural Mechanisation at the time of the fatal road traffic collision.

Garda Errol Flynn gave evidence at Newcastle West District Court of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Carroll made no reply to the charge.

Mr Carroll’s parents accompanied him to court in Newcastle West.

Inspector Gearóid Thompson, of Bruff Garda Station, prosecuting for the State, described it as a “serious matter” where two people sadly lost their lives.

Solicitor Daniel Kreith told Judge Carol Anne Coolican that it was always the intention of his client to have a signed plea of guilty. The presiding judge noted the position in terms of instructions regarding a guilty plea.

An application for legal aid was granted, as Mr Carroll is a full-time student.

The matter had been adjourned from earlier this year for DPP directions.

Inspector Thompson told the court that the accused has presented in court, made himself available when needed and he anticipates that he would be in court for future proceedings.

Judge Coolican accepted this and Mr Carroll was remanded on bail on his own bond of €100.

The matter was adjourned to Newcastle West District Court on February 13, 2026 for the preparation of the book of evidence.

In the aftermath of the road traffic collision, counselling and support was made available to all students and staff of TUS, as courses in Salesian Agricultural College are run in partnership with TUS.