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. 4233Dangerous driving causing death, failing to keep vehicle at scene · Co. Louth · 17 Mar 2024

Garda Michael Ball charged over fatal hit and run that killed GAA coach Niall McEneaney in Drogheda

Garda Michael Ball, in his 30s, appeared before Dundalk District Court on 9 December 2025 charged with dangerous driving causing the death of 42-year-old GAA coach Niall McEneaney on Rathmullan Road, Drogheda, on 17 March 2024, and with failing to keep the vehicle at the scene. The case was adjourned until a date in January.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court24 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatNiall McEneaney, 42, was struck by a vehicle (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe vehicle was a private car allegedly registered to a serving garda who was off-duty (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe incident occurred on Rathmullan Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationFiosru, formerly the Garda Ombudsman Commission, investigated the incident (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationMr Ball was arrested in April 2024 (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Niall McEneaney (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with failing to keep the vehicle at the scene (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeThe DPP directed that Mr Ball be charged (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtGarda Michael Ball appeared before Dundalk District Court on 9 December 2025 (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned until a date in January (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherNiall McEneaney was a GAA coach (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMr Ball is in his 30s and has an address at Drogheda Garda Station (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMr Ball has been suspended from duty (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 24 Dec2025
    In courtirishmirror.ie, follow-up
    Pictured: Garda charged over fatal alleged hit and run

    Article confirms the specific charges directed by the DPP, the court appearance at Dundalk District Court on 9 December 2025, the adjournment to January, and that Fiosru (formerly GSOC) led the investigation. Also notes Ball has been suspended from duty.

    victim, Niall McEneaney, 42, male, irish (judged from name)Niall McEneaneyaccused, Michael Ball, 30s, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Ball