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. 6541Dangerous driving causing death · Co. Cork · 13 Dec 2022

Man jailed for dangerous driving causing death of Co Cork woman

Michael Lucey (42) struck and killed Gobnait Twomey (51), a physiotherapist, on Main Street, Ballingeary, Co Cork, at 1.10am on 13 December 2022 while over the drink-driving limit. Several other people in the group of five pedestrians were injured, including the victim's mother and sister. Lucey pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing death, driving while intoxicated and dangerous driving. Reported on 14 February 2024, he was sentenced to 18 months in jail, with sources differing on whether this was three years with the final 18 months suspended, and was disqualified from driving for five years.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced14 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A man knocked down and killed a woman, Gobnait Twomey (51), while over the drink-driving limit.
Where
The vehicle was driven down Main Street, Ballingeary, Co Cork, and struck a group of five pedestrians at a narrow turn outside the Old Forge Bar.
When
The incident happened at 1.10am on 13 December 2022.
Cause
Michael Lucey had left a funeral reception for his father in the early hours before driving a vehicle belonging to a companion.
Investigation
  • Gardaí said Lucey had 179mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine, almost three times the legal limit of 67mg.
  • Gardaí indicated the vehicle was being driven at 27.3km/h when it struck the pedestrians.
Other details
  • Several other people in the group were injured, including the victim's mother and sister.
  • The judge said Lucey's culpability was very significant.
  • Gobnait Twomey had graduated from college three months before her death and had returned to Cork for her uncle's funeral hours before the incident.
Charges
Lucey pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, driving while intoxicated and dangerous driving.
In court
The case was heard at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Sentence
  • Sources differ: one says Lucey was sentenced to three years with the final 18 months suspended, while another says he was jailed for 18 months.
  • Lucey was disqualified from driving for five years.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man knocked down and killed a woman while over the drink-driving limit. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe vehicle was driven down Main Street, Ballingeary, at 1.10am. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe woman, Gobnait Twomey, died on 13 December 2022. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe driver was over the drink-driving limit hours after attending his father’s funeral. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe vehicle struck a group of five pedestrians at a narrow turn outside the Old Forge Bar. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí said the accused had 179mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine after the incident. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe accused pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, driving while intoxicated and dangerous driving. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case was heard at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe accused was sentenced to three years with the final 18 months suspended. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe accused was disqualified from driving for five years. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit of 67mg. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherGardaí indicated the vehicle was being driven at 27.3km/h when it struck the pedestrians. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe judge said the accused’s culpability was very significant. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherSeveral other people in the group of pedestrians were injured, including the victim’s mother and sister. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 14 Feb2024
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, first report
    Man jailed for dangerous driving causing death of woman (51) in Co Cork

    Reports the sentencing of Michael Lucey, who pleaded guilty, including the alcohol level, the speed, the victim impact statements and the sentence and driving ban.

    victim, Gobnait Twomey, 51, female, irish (judged from name)Gobnait Twomeyvictim, Eibhlis Twomey, irish (judged from name)Eibhlis Twomeyconvicted, Michael Lucey, 42, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Lucey