Ireland Two women convicted of careless driving in Kildare
On 31 March 2018, a four-vehicle collision occurred at Horsepasstown on the Blessington to Hollywood road near Ballymore Eustace, Kildare. Hilary McCullagh, 81, of Rathvarrin, Tullow, and Mary Mahon, 66, of Aylmerstown, Castledermot, were both convicted of careless driving at Naas District Court on 6 October 2021. Ms McCullagh was seriously injured in the crash, breaking part of her neck, four ribs, and suffering severe concussion. Judge Desmond Zaidan found the accident was caused by the defendants not keeping a safe distance and a proper look out, and fined each woman €350.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted7 Oct
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A four-vehicle collision occurred at Horsepasstown on the Blessington to Hollywood road near Ballymore Eustace, Kildare.
- Hilary McCullagh, 81, of Rathvarrin, Tullow, was convicted of careless driving.
- Mary Mahon, 66, of Aylmerstown, Castledermot, was convicted of careless driving.
- Ms McCullagh was seriously injured, breaking part of her neck, four ribs, and suffering severe concussion.
- When
- The collision occurred on 31 March 2018.
- Investigation
- Inspector Tony Connaughton told the court the incident happened because a vehicle stopped, two cars took evasive action and two others did not.
- In court
- Judge Desmond Zaidan said the accident was caused by the defendants not keeping a safe distance and a proper look out.
- Sentence
- Both defendants were fined €350 each at Naas District Court on 6 October 2021.
14 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA collision involving four vehicles occurred near Ballymore Eustace. (kildarenow.com)
- whatHilary McCullagh, 81, of Rathvarrin, Tullow, was convicted of careless driving. (kildarenow.com)
- whatMary Mahon, 66, of Aylmerstown, Castledermot, was convicted of careless driving. (kildarenow.com)
- whatMs McCullagh had no recollection of the accident and was seriously injured, breaking part of her neck, four ribs, and suffering severe concussion. (kildarenow.com)
- whatThe two defendants were driving the third and fourth cars respectively. (kildarenow.com)
- whatFour cars were damaged in the collision. (kildarenow.com)
- whatKevin Whitfield, driver of the second vehicle, was hit from behind twice. (kildarenow.com)
- whereThe incident took place at Horsepasstown, on the Blessington to Hollywood road. (kildarenow.com)
- whenThe collision occurred on 31 March 2018. (kildarenow.com)
- investigationInspector Tony Connaughton told the court the incident happened because a vehicle stopped, two cars took action to avoid it and two others did not. (kildarenow.com)
- courtBarrister Richard Wixted contended there was no evidence to suggest Ms Mahon was driving carelessly and that damage to the right side of her car indicated she had taken evasive action. (kildarenow.com)
- courtBarrister Aisling Murphy said the State had not proven its case and that no one gave evidence about the manner of driving. (kildarenow.com)
- courtJudge Desmond Zaidan said the accident was caused by the defendants not keeping a safe distance and a proper look out. (kildarenow.com)
- sentenceBoth defendants were fined €350 each. (kildarenow.com)
The reporting
newest first- 7 Oct2021Two women, 81 and 66, fined in Naas court over four car pile-up near Ballymore
Full court details including witness testimony from the first two drivers, defence arguments, the inspector's account, and the judge's reasoning for the conviction and fine.
convicted, Hilary McCullagh, 81, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hilary McCullaghconvicted, Mary Mahon, 66, female, named, irish (judged from name)Mary Mahon