Ireland Ennis man pleads guilty to careless driving causing death of Broadford GAA coach
Gerard Gunning, 47, a married father of two and GAA coach from Kilbane, Broadford, died on 24 March 2022 at Meelick, Co Clare, when he was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Joseph Smyth, 28, of Cathedral Court, Ennis. Smyth was initially charged with dangerous driving causing death and was sent forward to the circuit court. In July 2024 he pleaded guilty at Ennis Circuit Court to the lesser charge of careless driving causing death. Judge Gabbett remanded him on continuing bail, a victim impact statement is required, and sentencing is likely in October.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted17 Jul
2 reports - Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Gerard Gunning, 47, of Kilbane, Broadford, a married father of two and GAA coach, died.
- Joseph Smyth, 28, of Cathedral Court, Ennis, is an apprentice plumber and was the driver of the vehicle.
- Where
- The death occurred at Meelick, Co Clare.
- When
- The death occurred on 24 March 2022.
- Cause
- Gunning was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Joseph Smyth.
- Charges
- Smyth was initially charged with dangerous driving causing death.
- Smyth pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of careless driving causing death, replacing the original charge.
- In court
- The guilty plea was entered at Ennis Circuit Court and reported in July 2024.
- Judge Gabbett remanded Smyth on continuing bail.
- Other details
- A victim impact statement is required before sentencing.
- Gunning is survived by his wife Jennifer and sons Dillon and Adam.
- Sentence
- Sentencing is likely to take place in October.
19 statements extracted from the articles
- whatJoseph Smyth pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Gerard Gunning. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatSmyth pleaded guilty at Ennis Circuit Court to careless driving causing the death of Gerard Gunning. (clareecho.ie)
- whatGunning was 47, from Kilbane, Broadford, and is survived by his wife Jennifer and sons Dillon and Adam. (clareecho.ie)
- whereThe death occurred at Meelick, Co Clare. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe death occurred at Meelick. (clareecho.ie)
- whenThe death occurred on 24 March 2022. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on March 24th 2022. (clareecho.ie)
- causeGerard Gunning was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Joseph Smyth. (limerickleader.ie)
- causeGunning was a passenger in the vehicle Smyth was driving. (clareecho.ie)
- chargeSmyth was initially charged with dangerous driving causing death. (limerickleader.ie, clareecho.ie)
- chargeSmyth pleaded guilty to the less serious charge of careless driving causing death. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeSmyth has now pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of careless driving causing death. (clareecho.ie)
- courtThe guilty plea was entered at Ennis Circuit Court. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe case now moves to sentencing and a victim impact statement is required. (clareecho.ie)
- courtJudge Gabbett remanded Smyth on continuing bail. (clareecho.ie)
- sentenceSentencing is likely to be in October. (limerickleader.ie)
- sentenceThe sentencing date is likely to be in October. (clareecho.ie)
- otherA victim impact statement is required before sentencing. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherSmyth is a 28-year-old Ennis man and an apprentice plumber. (clareecho.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 20 Jul2024Ennis plumber pleads guilty to careless driving causing death of Broadford GAA coach - Clare Echo
Smyth pleaded guilty to the lesser careless driving charge at Ennis Circuit Court. A victim impact statement is required, sentencing is likely in October, and Smyth remains on continuing bail.
victim, Gerard Gunning, 47, male, irish (judged from name)Gerard Gunningconvicted, Joseph Smyth, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joseph Smyth - 17 Jul2024Plumber pleads guilty to careless driving on Limerick-Clare border causing death of GAA coach
Reports the guilty plea to the lesser careless driving charge, replacing the original dangerous driving charge, and says sentencing is likely in October and a victim impact statement is required.
victim, Gerard Gunning, 47, male, irish (judged from name)Gerard Gunningconvicted, Joseph Smyth, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joseph Smyth