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. 8882Speeding · Co. Laois · 25 May 2025

Woman with 33 road traffic convictions fined for speeding on M7 in Portlaoise

Eleanor Connery (46), of Kilkee, Co Clare, is accused of speeding on the M7 at Portlaoise, Co Laois, on 25 May 2025. Gardaí stopped a black BMW allegedly driving 150kmph in a 120kmph zone that day and issued a fixed charge penalty notice with a €160 fine. Connery, who had 33 previous road traffic convictions, failed to appear before Portlaoise District Court on the speeding charge. Judge Edward Carroll fined her €400, to be paid within two months, as reported on 30 June 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced30 Jun
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A woman with 33 previous road traffic convictions is accused of speeding on the M7.
Where
The alleged speeding happened on the M7 at Portlaoise, Co Laois.
When
The alleged offence took place on 25 May 2025.
Cause
A black BMW was allegedly driving at 150kmph in a 120kmph zone.
Investigation
  • Gardaí stopped the car that day, as Sgt JJ Kirby told the court.
  • Gardaí issued the accused a fixed charge penalty notice and a €160 fine.
Charges
Eleanor Connery is accused of speeding on the M7 at Portlaoise.
In court
  • Connery failed to appear before Portlaoise District Court on the speeding offence and was not present in court.
  • The court outcome was reported by Leinster Express on 30 June 2026.
Sentence
Judge Edward Carroll fined Connery €400, to be paid within two months.
Other details
  • Connery is 46 and is listed as being of Lisheenfurroor, Kilkee, Co Clare.
  • Connery's last recorded offence was in March 2020, for parking in a taxi rank.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA woman with 33 previous road traffic convictions failed to appear before Portlaoise District Court on a speeding offence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe speeding offence is alleged to have happened on 25 May 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí stopped a black BMW driving 150kmph in a 120kmph zone. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí issued the accused a fixed charge penalty notice and a €160 fine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeEleanor Connery is accused of speeding on the M7 at Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe accused was not present in court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Edward Carroll fined the accused €400, to be paid within two months. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused's last offence was in March 2020, for parking in a taxi rank. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 30 Jun2026
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    BMW driver with 33 road traffic convictions fails to appear before Laois court

    Reports the court outcome: the accused failed to appear, had 33 previous road traffic convictions, and was fined €400 to be paid within two months.

    convicted, Eleanor Connery, 46, female, named, irish (judged from name)Eleanor Connery