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. 5742Drink-driving (fatal single-car crash) · Co. Clare · 18 Jun 2023

Inquest into death of grandmother in single-car crash in west Clare

On 18 June 2023, Margaret Wright, a 73-year-old woman, died from blunt force injuries after a single-car crash in west Clare, where she was a rear seat passenger. The car was being driven by her grandson, Connor Wright, a 32-year-old man, who pleaded guilty to drink-driving. Judge Alec Gabbett imposed a two-year mandatory driving ban, and an inquest into her death was reported on 6 June 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced6 Jun
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Margaret Wright, 73, was a rear seat passenger in a single-car crash.
Where
The crash happened at a crash scene in west Clare.
When
The crash happened on 18 June 2023.
Cause
  • Margaret Wright died from blunt force injuries sustained in the crash.
  • The car was being driven by her grandson, Connor Wright, 32, of Pella Rd, Kilrush.
Investigation
  • The driver told gardaí a fox or badger came onto the road while he was driving.
  • At the scene, the driver was heard saying 'why didn't I hit the fox?'
Other details
  • According to a deposition, Margaret Wright was not wearing a seat belt.
  • The judge said Connor Wright's alcohol reading was not a particularly high reading.
Charges
Connor Wright pleaded guilty to drink-driving; one source gives Ennis District Court in April 2024, another gives Ballinagun West, Cree, on 18 June.
Sentence
Judge Alec Gabbett imposed a two-year mandatory driving ban.
In court
An inquest into Margaret Wright's death was held and reported on 6 June 2024.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe crash happened at a crash scene in west Clare. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe crash happened on June 18 of the previous year. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeMargaret Wright died from blunt force injuries sustained in a single-car accident. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThe driver told gardaí a fox or badger came onto the road while he was driving. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtConnor Wright pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Ballinagun West, Cree, on June 18. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Alec Gabbett imposed a two-year mandatory driving ban. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherAccording to a deposition, Margaret Wright was not wearing a seat belt. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe judge said Connor Wright's alcohol reading was not a particularly high reading. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherAn inquest into Margaret Wright's death was held. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 6 Jun2024
    Sentencedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Driver heard saying 'why didn't I hit the fox?' at crash that killed grandmother

    Article reports the inquest into the fatal crash, the driver's Garda interview, the drink-driving guilty plea in Ennis District Court in April, and the two-year driving ban.

    victim, Margaret Wright, 73, female, irish (judged from name)Margaret Wrightconvicted, Connor Wright, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Connor Wright