Saturday 31 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. 19158Careless driving causing death · Co. Louth · 11 Sep 2021

Suspended sentence for careless driving causing death of motorcyclist in Ardee

On 11 September 2021, motorcyclist Finlay Power was struck and fatally injured on the N2 at Reaghstown, Ardee, County Louth, after a car driven by businessman Michael Maloney (40) performed a u-turn. Mr Power died in hospital two days later. Mr Maloney pleaded guilty to careless driving causing his death. He was sentenced at Dundalk Circuit Court to a 15-month suspended sentence, an €8,000 fine and a two-year driving disqualification, as reported on 15 November 2023.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced15 Nov
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A businessman struck and fatally injured a motorcyclist on the N2 outside Ardee after performing a u-turn.
Where
The collision happened at Reaghstown, Ardee, on the N2.
When
The collision happened on 11 September 2021.
Cause
The driver performed a u-turn to go back to a local restaurant for food.
Other details
  • Finlay Power died in hospital two days after the collision from injuries he sustained.
  • Maloney had no previous conviction.
  • The judge said the victim was visible, but the accused failed to see him and failed to pay sufficient attention.
  • The judge noted there was no speed, intoxication, mobile phone use or prior garda attention.
  • Four people benefited from the victim's family's decision to donate his organs.
Investigation
  • Maloney passed roadside drug and alcohol tests.
  • Maloney told gardaí he did not see any headlights in either direction.
  • CCTV footage showed the motorcycle's lights were on, and Maloney accepted this.
Charges
Maloney pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Finlay Power.
In court
The case was heard at Dundalk Circuit Court.
Sentence
Maloney received a 15-month suspended sentence, an €8,000 fine and a two-year driving disqualification from December 10th.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA businessman struck and fatally injured a motorcyclist on the N2 outside Ardee after performing a u-turn. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • whereThe collision happened at Reaghstown, Ardee. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • whenThe collision happened on September 11th 2021. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • causeThe defendant performed a u-turn to go back to a local restaurant for food. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • chargeThe defendant pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Finlay Power. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Dundalk Circuit Court. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • sentenceThe defendant was given a 15-month suspended sentence, an €8,000 fine and a two-year driving disqualification from December 10th. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe victim sustained catastrophic injuries and died in hospital two days later. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe defendant passed roadside drug and alcohol tests. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe defendant told gardaí he did not see any headlights in either direction. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherCCTV footage showed the motorcycle's lights were on, and the defendant accepted this. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had no previous conviction. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe judge said the victim was visible but the accused failed to see him and failed to pay sufficient attention. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherThe judge noted there was no speed, intoxication or mobile phone use, and no prior garda attention. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
  • otherFour people benefited from the victim's family's decision to donate his organs. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Nov2023
    Sentenceddundalkdemocrat.ie, first report
    Dundalk court: Suspended sentence for fatally injuring motorcyclist

    Reports the Dundalk Circuit Court sentence, the guilty plea, the court's findings on the collision, and the defendant's background; the offence occurred in September 2021.

    convicted, Michael Maloney, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Maloneyvictim, Finlay Power, 22, male, irish (judged from name)Finlay Power