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. 1361Dangerous driving causing death, driving under the influence · Co. Clare · 16 Aug 2023

Woman charged with dangerous driving causing death of cyclist in Kilkee, Co Clare

A 70-year-old cyclist, Michael Lorigan, was killed in a road traffic incident on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee, Co Clare, at around 12.30pm on 16 August 2023. Saoirse Lillis McMahon, a 32-year-old woman of Moveen, Kilkee, appeared at Ennis District Court on 8 July 2025 charged with dangerous driving causing death and driving under the influence of an intoxicant. A summons concerning an allegedly defective vehicle is also due before the court. Judge Alec Gabbett adjourned the case to 9 September 2025, with the dangerous driving causing death charge set to go to Ennis Circuit Court, and the defence indicated a possibility of a signed plea.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Charged8 Jul
    2 reports
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A cyclist was killed in a road traffic incident involving a motor vehicle.
Where
The incident took place on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee, Co Clare.
When
The fatal incident occurred at around 12.30pm on 16 August 2023.
Charges
  • Saoirse Lillis McMahon, 32, of Moveen, Kilkee, Co Clare, is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Michael Lorigan, 70, contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act.
  • She is also charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.
Investigation
A summons concerning an allegedly defective vehicle under Section 54 of the Road Traffic Act is due to be put before the court in September.
In court
  • The case was heard at Ennis District Court before Judge Alec Gabbett on 8 July 2025.
  • Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to 9 September 2025, with the dangerous driving causing death charge set to go to Ennis Circuit Court.
  • The defence indicated a possibility of a signed plea at Ennis Circuit Court.
Other details
  • The victim, Michael Lorigan, 70, was originally from Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon, Co Clare, and was living in Kilkishen, east Clare, at the time of his death.
  • Mr Lorigan taught for decades at the Model School in Limerick city and was a keen cyclist who took part in the Clare 250-mile cycle many times.
  • Ms Lillis McMahon has stopped driving, as directed by Judge Gabbett.
29 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe incident took place on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereMichael Lorigan was originally from Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon, Co Clare. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereHe was living in Kilkishen in east Clare at the time of his death. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe incident occurred on the N67 in Baunmore, Kilkee. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereMichael Lorigan was living in Kilkishen in east Clare at the time of his death. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe fatal road traffic incident occurred at around 12.30pm on 16 August 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe fatal incident happened on the afternoon of 16 August 2023. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeSaoire Lillis McMahon is charged with dangerous driving causing death contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeShe is also charged with driving her 02-CE registered vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeA summons concerning a defective vehicle under Section 54 of the Road Traffic Act is due to be put before the court on 9 September. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeShe is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Michael Lorigan, 70, contrary to section 53 of the Road Traffic Act. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeShe is also charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Gabbett told the defence solicitor that the driving has to stop. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThere is a possibility of the case going to Ennis Circuit Court on a signed plea. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe only charge going to the circuit court is the dangerous driving causing death case. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtJudge Gabbett presumed the driving under the influence charge would be added to the indictment. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Gabbett adjourned the case to 9 September. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case was heard at Ennis District Court before Judge Alec Gabbett. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtSolicitor Daragh Hassett holds a watching brief for the Lorigan family. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtSaoirse Lillis McMahon, 32, of Moveen, Kilkee, Co Clare, appeared at Ennis District Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtGarda Ken Butler told Judge Alec Gabbett there is a summons concerning an allegedly defective vehicle due in September. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe defence said there is a possibility of a signed plea at Ennis Circuit Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMs Lillis McMahon has stopped driving. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMr Lorigan taught for a number of decades at the Model School in Limerick city. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherHe taught at the Model School from the mid-seventies until his retirement. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherHe was remembered as an inspirational, kind, patient, dedicated and wonderful teacher. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherIn later years, Mr Lorigan became a keen cyclist and took part in the Clare 250 mile cycle many times. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMichael Lorigan taught for decades at the Model School in Limerick city. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMichael Lorigan was a keen cyclist who took part in the Clare 250-mile cycle many times. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 8 Jul2025
    Chargedirishtimes.com, first report
    Woman (32) charged with dangerous driving causing death of cyclist (70)

    First court appearance at Ennis District Court; charged with dangerous driving causing death and driving under the influence; a summons concerning an allegedly defective vehicle is due in September; possibility of signed plea at Ennis Circuit Court; adjourned to 9 September.

    victim, Michael Lorigan, 70, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Lorigansuspect, Saoirse Lillis McMahon, 32, female, named, irish (judged from name)Saoirse Lillis McMahon
  2. 8 Jul2025
    Chargedirishmirror.ie, follow-up
    Woman charged with dangerous driving causing death of school teacher

    Reports the initial court appearance at Ennis District Court where charges were laid, including details of the victim's background as a long-serving teacher at the Model School in Limerick and his later cycling career. The case was adjourned to 9 September 2025, with the dangerous driving causing death charge set to go to Ennis Circuit Court.

    victim, Michael Lorigan, 70, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Lorigansuspect, Saoire Lillis McMahon, 32, female, named, irish (judged from name)Saoire Lillis McMahon