West Clare Woman to Sign Guilty Plea in Death of Beloved Teacher
A 32-year-old woman from west Clare is set to enter a signed guilty plea in connection with the death of Michael Lorigan, a 70-year-old retired school teacher, following a road traffic incident last August.
Saoirse Lillis McMahon, of Moveen East, kilkee, appeared at Kilrush District Court today facing charges related to the incident that occurred on August 16th, 2023, on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee. She is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of mr. Lorigan, a cyclist, contrary to Section 53 of the road Traffic Act. The incident took place around 12:30 PM.
Sergeant Frank O’Grady informed the court that “the defendant has agreed to go forward on a signed plea” to the circuit court.Judge Alec Gabbett responded, stating, “That is very helpful for the family where a signed plea means no trial which is some comfort to people involved on the other side of this.” He noted that the signed plea also removes the State’s need to prepare a Book of Evidence for the circuit court.
Ms. Lillis McMahon also faces additional charges stemming from the same incident: driving under the influence of an intoxicant to a degree that impaired her ability to control a vehicle, and driving a vehicle in a dangerous and defective condition, contrary to sections 54(1) & (4) of the Road traffic Act.
The case was adjourned to October 1st at Ennis District Court “for the signed plea to move the matter forward to the circuit court.”
Michael Lorigan, originally from Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon, Co. Clare, and latterly residing in Kilkishen, was a dedicated teacher at the Model School in limerick city for several decades, retiring in the mid-1970s. He was widely remembered by former students as an “inspirational, kind, patient, dedicated and marvelous teacher” following his death. In his retirement, Mr. Lorigan was a passionate cyclist and a frequent participant in the Clare 250 mile cycle.
