Danny O'Donoghue remanded over dangerous driving causing death of Marguerita O'Rourke in Rathkeale
On 21 December 2024, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, 21, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, sustained serious injuries at Bank Place, Rathkeale, and later died. Danny O'Donoghue, 42, of Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, has been charged with dangerous driving causing her death, threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, producing a machete during the alleged threat, and causing criminal damage to a set of gates and to Mr Sheridan's van. He has been remanded in custody since December 2024. At Limerick District Court on 13 May 2025, he indicated a guilty plea to the dangerous driving charge but plans to contest the remaining charges, and a four-week adjournment was granted by consent. His next appearance is set for 10 June 2025 via video-link.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court13 May
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, 21, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, sustained serious injuries at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on 21 December 2024, and later died.
- Where
- The incident occurred at Bank Place, Rathkeale, County Limerick.
- When
- 21 December 2024.
- Cause
- Alleged dangerous driving.
- Weapon
- A machete was produced during the alleged threat to Patrick Sheridan.
- Investigation
- Danny O'Donoghue, 42, of Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, has been remanded in custody since December 2024.
- Charges
- O'Donoghue is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan.
- He is also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, producing a machete during the alleged threat, and causing criminal damage to Mr Sheridan's van, all on the same date.
- He is charged with causing criminal damage to a set of gates at the same location on the same date.
- In court
- At Limerick District Court on 13 May 2025, O'Donoghue indicated a guilty plea to the dangerous driving charge but plans to contest the remaining charges.
- Prosecuting Sergeant Denis Waters was granted a four-week adjournment by consent, and Judge Aine Clancy granted a time extension on the Book of Evidence.
- His next appearance is set for 10 June 2025 via video-link.
8 statements extracted from the articles
- whereShe sustained serious injuries at Bank Place, Rathkeale. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereHer death occurred after she sustained serious injuries at Bank Place, Rathkeale (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is also charged with causing criminal damage to a set of gates at the same location on the same date. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with producing a machete during the course of making the alleged threat to Mr Sheridan. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with causing criminal damage to a set of gates at the same location on the same date (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is charged with producing a machete during the course of making the alleged threat to Patrick Sheridan (irishtimes.com)
- courtProsecuting Sergeant Denis Waters of Roxboro Road garda station applied for and was granted a four-week adjournment by consent. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Aine Clancy granted the State a time-extension on the service of a Book of Evidence. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 13 May2025Man remanded in custody after indicating he would plead guilty to dangerous driving causing death of young mother
Court directions hearing; accused indicated willingness to plead guilty to dangerous driving causing death but plans to contest other charges; has been on remand in custody since December 2024; next appearance via video link on 10 June 2025.
victim, 21, female, irish (judged from name)accused, 42, male, irish (judged from name)victim, Patrick Sheridan, irish (judged from name)Patrick Sheridan - 13 May2025Man charged with dangerous driving causing death of young mother
First court appearance; O'Donoghue indicated guilty plea to dangerous driving causing death but plans to contest the threat, machete and criminal damage charges. Remanded in custody since December 2024; next appearance 10 June 2025 via video-link.
victim, 21, female, irish (judged from name)suspect, 42, male, irish (judged from name)victim, Patrick Sheridan, male, irish (judged from name)Patrick Sheridan