Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 4043Dangerous driving causing death, criminal damage, producing a weapon, failing to remain at the scene of a collision · Co. Limerick · 21 Dec 2024

Danny O'Donoghue jailed for 5½ years over death of niece Marguerita O'Rourke in Rathkeale

Danny O'Donoghue, 43, was sentenced to 5½ years in prison (with six months suspended) at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for dangerous driving causing the death of his 21-year-old niece Marguerita O'Rourke, who was killed when he rammed his van into screened gates at her family home in Rathkeale on 21 December 2024 while high on alcohol and cocaine. He also received a concurrent 2½-year sentence for producing a three-foot machete and a seven-year driving ban.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced21 Jan
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
6 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatO'Rourke was flung backwards on impact, never regained consciousness, and died in hospital four hours later. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe hit-and-run was captured on CCTV. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationO'Donoghue handed himself into Garda custody after spending two days on the run. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe sentencing took place at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Colin Daly. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceO'Donoghue was jailed for 5½ years with the final six months suspended for dangerous driving causing death. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceO'Donoghue received a seven-year driving ban. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 21 Jan2026
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, first report
    Man jailed for dangerous driving causing death of niece while high on drink and drugs

    Sentencing report: O'Donoghue pleaded guilty and was jailed. Details include the family feud context, the machete incident at Patrick Sheridan's van, CCTV evidence, victim-impact statements, and his prior convictions.

    convicted, 43, male, irish (judged from name)victim, 21, female, irish (judged from name)victim, Patrick Sheridan, male, irish (judged from name)Patrick Sheridan