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. 3703Dangerous driving causing death, drink driving · Co. Limerick · 18 Mar 2022

Niall O'Halloran, 57, on trial for dangerous driving causing death of Latvian truck driver Arturs Birznieks on N21, Ardagh, Co Limerick

Niall O'Halloran, 57, is on trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for dangerous driving causing the death of Arturs Birznieks, a Latvian truck driver, in a collision on the N21 at Reens East, Ardagh, Co Limerick, on 18 March 2022. The prosecution alleges O'Halloran drove on the wrong side of the road in his red VW Passat, forcing Birznieks to swerve, after which the truck's cab was destroyed on impact with a wall.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatArturs Birznieks, a father of two from Latvia living in Co Mayo, died at the scene. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe two vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when the collision occurred. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatBoth vehicles were left completely destroyed in the impact. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe front axle was torn out from underneath the cab and the damage was immense. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe front left wheel of the truck was torn off in the impact and was never located. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatBoth vehicles were travelling between 80-85km/h, under the speed limit of 100km/h. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe collision took place at N21, Reens East, Ardagh, Co Limerick. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe collision occurred at 2.50am on 18 March 2022. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial continues before a jury at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Feb2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Father of two killed in collision when swerving away from alleged drunk driver, court hears

    Trial evidence from forensic collision investigators describing the mechanics of the collision and the extent of damage to both vehicles; the accused denies both dangerous driving and drink driving.

    victim, Arturs Birznieks, male, non-irish (judged from name)Arturs Birznieksaccused, 57, male, irish (judged from name)