Ireland Former garda jailed for dangerous driving causing death in Drogheda
On 17 March 2024, Michael Ball, a former garda, struck and fatally injured Niall MacEneaney, a 45-year-old pedestrian, on the Rathmullen Road in Drogheda, County Louth. Ball later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and to failing to remain at the scene and offer assistance. He was sentenced at Dundalk Circuit Court and disqualified from driving for 12 years, and reports of the sentencing are dated June 2026. The latest development is that the victim's family liaison process continues ahead of a forthcoming inquest.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced1 Jun
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Ball was travelling at between 86 and 109 km/h when he struck and fatally injured a 45-year-old pedestrian, Niall MacEneaney.
- Where
- The fatal collision happened on the Rathmullen Road, Drogheda, County Louth.
- When
- The collision happened on 17 March 2024.
- Cause
- The collision was a dangerous driving incident in which the pedestrian was fatally injured.
- Investigation
- Fiosrú's family liaison officer continues to liaise with the victim's family and the coroner's court ahead of a forthcoming inquest.
- Charges
- Ball pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Niall MacEneaney.
- Ball also pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene and offer assistance.
- In court
- Ball was sentenced at Dundalk Circuit Court; reports are dated 1 June 2026 and 15 June 2026.
- Sentence
- Ball was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended, which one report describes as a six-year total prison term.
- Ball has been disqualified from driving for 12 years.
- Other details
- Ball was based at Drogheda garda station at the time of the incident and has since resigned from An Garda Síochána.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatBall was travelling at between 86 and 109 km/h when he struck and fatally injured a 45-year-old pedestrian. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe fatal collision happened on the Rathmullen Road, Drogheda. (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe collision happened on 17 March 2024. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationFiosrú's family liaison officer continues to liaise with the victim's family and the coroner's court ahead of a forthcoming inquest. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeBall pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Niall MacEneaney. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeBall also pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene and offer assistance. (thejournal.ie)
- courtBall was sentenced at Dundalk Circuit Court. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceBall was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceBall has been disqualified from driving for 12 years. (thejournal.ie)
- otherBall was based at Drogheda garda station at the time of the incident and has since resigned from An Garda Síochána. (thejournal.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 1 Jun2026Former garda jailed for six years for fatal hit-and-run in Drogheda
Reports the sentencing at Dundalk Circuit Court, the six-year total prison term, the 12-year driving ban, and that Ball has resigned from An Garda Síochána. Also records the guilty plea to failing to remain at the scene.
victim, Niall MacEneaney, 45, irish (judged from name)Niall MacEneaneyconvicted, Michael Ball, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Ball