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. 10830Dangerous or careless driving causing death · Co. Limerick · 9 Apr 2025

Woman charged with careless driving causing death of Limerick motorcyclist

Jack O'Donoghue, a 33-year-old man, died in a road traffic collision on the N69 at Clounreask, Askeaton, near his home on 9 April 2025. Catherine Russell (65) of Ballyengland, Askeaton, has been charged with careless driving causing death and with breaching duties when an accident occurs; these are allegations. On 24 February 2026 she appeared before Newcastle West District Court and made no reply to the charge, and the DPP has consented to her being sent forward for trial at Limerick Circuit Court or on a signed plea. The judge remanded her on bail on her own bond of €100 to appear again at the end of April.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court24 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A 33-year-old man, Jack O'Donoghue, died in a road traffic collision.
Other details
  • The victim was an electrician by trade.
  • The accused is Catherine Russell, a 65-year-old woman of Ballyengland, Askeaton.
Where
The collision happened on the N69 at Clounreask, Askeaton.
When
The collision happened on 9 April 2025, near the victim's home.
Investigation
A garda liaison officer was in court to support the victim's family and friends.
Charges
  • Catherine Russell has been charged with careless driving causing death.
  • Catherine Russell has also been charged with breaching duties when an accident occurs.
In court
  • On 24 February 2026 the accused appeared before Newcastle West District Court and made no reply to the charge.
  • The DPP has consented to the accused being sent forward for trial at Limerick Circuit Court or on a signed plea.
  • The judge remanded the accused on bail on her own bond of €100 to appear again at the end of April.
Sentence
No sentence has been reported.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA 33-year-old man died in a road traffic collision. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whereThe collision happened on the N69 at Clounreask, Askeaton. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe fatal collision occurred on April 9, 2025, near the victim's home. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationA garda liaison officer was in court to support the victim's family and friends. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeA woman has been charged with careless driving causing death. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeThe accused has also been charged with breaching duties when an accident occurs. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe accused appeared before Newcastle West District Court and made no reply to the charge. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe DPP has consented to the accused being sent forward for trial at Limerick Circuit Court or on a signed plea. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe judge remanded the accused on bail on her own bond of €100 to appear again at the end of April. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 24 Feb2026
    In courtlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Woman charged with careless driving causing the death of Limerick motorcyclist

    Reports the charge against Catherine Russell, her District Court appearance and bail, and the DPP's consent to trial at Limerick Circuit Court. No existing case in the list covers this incident.

    victim, Jack O'Donoghue, 33, male, irish (judged from name)Jack O'Donoghueaccused, Catherine Russell, 65, female, named, irish (judged from name)Catherine Russell