Overview
- Danny O’Donoghue, 43, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of his 21-year-old niece in Rathkeale on 21 December 2024.
- He remains in custody on remand at Portlaoise Prison, having not sought bail since his arrest.
- CCTV shown in court captured a van ramming steel gates on Bank Place while Ms O’Rourke was opening them, after which the driver left the scene.
- In a statement read to the court, her husband said, “This was not an accident,” calling the conduct reckless, violent and dangerous.
- O’Donoghue also admitted criminal damage to the gates and a van and producing a machete during a dispute on the same date.