Man convicted of drink driving in rural Limerick

A MAN in his fifties has pleaded guilty to the offence of drink driving when he was brought before the county court.

Published 27th Jun 2026, 16:00 BST Kilmallock District Court | Kilmallock District Court A MAN in his fifties has pleaded guilty to the offence of drink driving when he was brought before the county court. Sign up to our Limerick Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Limerick Live within your account.

Garda Ivan Hannify gave evidence to Kilmallock District Court that he stopped Michael O’Brien, 59, with an address at Newtown, Galbally, Limerick, who had been driving at Milltown, Bruff on October 21, 2025.

The court heard Mr O’Brien was found to be driving without insurance, and also failed a breath test. Mr O’Brien was then conveyed to Bruff garda station.

Garda evidence detailed that Mr O’Brien was generally co-operative, and made admissions.

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Prosecuting Inspector Gearóid Thompson told the court that Mr O’Brien has no previous convictions.

Barrister Kenneth Kerins, representing Mr O’Brien, asked Judge Patricia Harney to take the offences “as an aberration”.

Mr Kerins said in mitigation that Mr O’Brien had difficulty with his insurance.

Judge Harney, considering the case before her, said: “I won’t disqualify him from driving in relation to no insurance on the basis of his previous good record.”

The judge proceeded to convict and fine Mr O’Brien €500 for driving with no insurance. For the drink driving offence, Mr O’Brien was disqualified from driving for a period of three years, and fined an additional sum of €500.

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