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. 4312Dangerous driving causing death · Co. Clare · 16 Aug 2023

Woman pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of teacher Michael Lorigan

Saoirse Lillis McMahon, 33, of Kilkee, Co. Clare, pleaded guilty at Ennis Circuit Court on 15 December 2025 to dangerous driving causing the death of 70-year-old cyclist and former teacher Michael Lorigan on 16 August 2023 on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee. She was remanded on continuing bail to return on 3 February 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court15 Dec
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
26 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMichael Lorigan was a cyclist at the time of the fatal incident. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMichael Lorigan was 70 years old. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMichael Lorigan taught at the Model School in Limerick city from the mid-1970s until his retirement. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
  • whatMichael Lorigan was remembered as an inspirational, kind, patient and dedicated teacher. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatIn later years Michael Lorigan became a keen cyclist and took part in the Clare 250-mile cycle many times. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe incident took place on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee, in west Clare. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereMichael Lorigan was originally from Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon, Co. Clare. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
  • whereMichael Lorigan was living in Kilkishen, east Clare, at the time of his death. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe incident occurred on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee, west Clare (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe fatal incident occurred at about 12:30pm on 16 August 2023. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe fatal incident occurred at around 12:30pm on 16 August 2023 (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeSaoirse Lillis McMahon pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Michael Lorigan. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeShe is also charged with drink-driving with a concentration of 93mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeShe is also charged with being under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of her vehicle. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeShe is also charged with driving without insurance, driving without a valid driving licence, and driving a defective vehicle. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeShe was charged under Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeShe was also charged with drink driving with a concentration of 93mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeShe was charged with being under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of proper control of her vehicle (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe guilty plea was entered at Ennis District Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtShe was remanded on continuing bail to Ennis Circuit Court on 3 February 2026. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe arraignment hearing took place at Ennis Circuit Court (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtShe was remanded on continuing bail to Ennis Circuit Court on February 3 (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherShe has previous driving convictions. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMs Lillis McMahon has some driving previous convictions (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMs Lillis McMahon has been attending a psychologist at Kilrush day hospital (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMichael Lorigan took part in the Clare 250 mile cycle many times (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Dec2025
    In courtirishmirror.ie, first report
    Woman pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of school teacher

    Guilty plea entered at arraignment hearing; additional charges include drink driving (93mg/100ml urine), driving without insurance, without a valid licence, and driving a defective vehicle. Remanded on continuing bail to 3 February 2026.

    victim, Michael Lorigan, 70, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Loriganaccused, Saoirse Lillis McMahon, 33, female, named, irish (judged from name)Saoirse Lillis McMahon
  2. 15 Dec2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, follow-up
    Woman (33) pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of ‘inspirational’ teacher

    Guilty plea entered at Ennis District Court; additional charges of drink-driving (93mg/100ml urine), under influence of intoxicant, driving without insurance, without valid licence, and driving a defective vehicle; remanded on continuing bail to Ennis Circuit Court on 3 February 2026.

    victim, Michael Lorigan, 70, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Loriganaccused, Saoirse Lillis McMahon, 33, female, named, irish (judged from name)Saoirse Lillis McMahon