Thursday 29 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. 10804Drink driving · Co. Limerick · 7 Jul 2025

Limerick man convicted of drink driving after Dromcollogher garda stop

On 7 July 2025 a garda on duty in the square in Dromcollogher saw a vehicle travelling at what he described as excessive speed. The driver, Denis O'Carroll, a 53-year-old man, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, then charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Judge Carol Anne Coolican at Newcastle West District Court convicted him and disqualified him from driving for two years from April 13, with a €600 fine payable within 12 months. The latest reported development is this conviction and sentence, reported on 26 February 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced25 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Denis O'Carroll, a 53-year-old man, was convicted of drink driving.
Where
The incident took place in the square in Dromcollogher, County Limerick.
When
The incident happened on 7 July 2025.
Cause
A garda saw a vehicle travelling at what he described as excessive speed.
Investigation
  • The garda smelled alcohol from the driver's breath and formed the opinion he had consumed alcohol.
  • The driver failed a roadside breath sample test and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.
  • Two further breath tests at the garda station showed 64mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
Charges
He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
In court
Judge Carol Anne Coolican at Newcastle West District Court convicted him of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Sentence
  • He was disqualified from driving for two years, starting April 13.
  • He was fined €600 and given 12 months to pay.
Other details
  • The NCT and tax on the vehicle were out of date.
  • In court he said he had had a few drinks to celebrate his mother's birthday.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe garda was on duty in the square in Dromcollogher. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on July 7, 2025. (limerickleader.ie)
  • causeA garda saw a vehicle travelling at excessive speed. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationThe garda smelled alcohol from the driver's breath and formed the opinion he had consumed alcohol. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationThe driver failed a roadside breath sample test and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationTwo further breath tests at the garda station showed 64mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtJudge Carol Anne Coolican convicted him of driving under the influence of alcohol. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentenceHe was disqualified from driving for two years, starting April 13. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentenceHe was fined €600 and given 12 months to pay. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe NCT and tax were out of date. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Feb2026
    Sentencedlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Limerick man told court he had a 'few drinks' when accused of drink driving

    Court report of the conviction and sentence for drink driving in Dromcollogher on 7 July 2025. Reports that the NCT and tax were out of date and that the driver was over the legal limit with 64mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

    convicted, Denis O'Carroll, 53, male, named, irish (judged from name)Denis O'Carroll