Humphreys Pledges Future Meeting with Mother of Hit-and-Run Victim

In a recent interview, Heather Humphreys, a former minister, committed to meeting with Lucia O’Farrell, the mother of Shane O’Farrell, a young man tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. O’Farrell has been vocal about her disappointment regarding the support she received during her quest for justice following her son’s death.

Humphreys acknowledged that she had not communicated with O’Farrell during the ongoing presidential campaign but expressed her intention to engage with her in the future. O’Farrell has critiqued the former minister for what she perceives as insufficient action on behalf of her family after Shane was struck by a vehicle driven by Zigimantas Gridziuska. At the time of the incident on August 2, 2011, Gridziuska, who had prior convictions for theft and drug offenses, was out of jail due to breaches of bail conditions.

During an interview on Virgin Media’s Big Interview, Humphreys defended her actions, stating, “I did everything I could.” She recalled a heartfelt conversation she had with O’Farrell shortly after Shane’s tragic death, emphasizing the emotional impact of the loss. “I spoke to her for, I’d say, about an hour and a half,” Humphreys said. “It would break anybody’s heart… I had children around the same age as her Shane, and that could have been any of us.”

Following the incident, Gridziuska faced prosecution in February 2013 for dangerous driving causing death but was acquitted. Under existing law, a lesser charge of careless driving could not be pursued by the jury. Reports indicate that Gridziuska has since returned to Lithuania.

O’Farrell’s family has been advocating for a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, particularly questioning why Gridziuska was not incarcerated at the time of the accident. When asked about her lack of support for a public inquiry, Humphreys reiterated, “I did everything I could, and I really am sorry that the O’Farrell family feel it wasn’t enough.” She clarified that she was abroad on a trade mission during the vote on the inquiry.

In discussing the inquiries that have already taken place, Humphreys mentioned a Garda Ombudsman probe and a judge-led inquiry, noting that as a minister, her ability to influence ongoing investigations is limited. “You cannot interfere when there’s an inquiry taking place,” she explained.

Addressing her absence from a vigil held in memory of Shane O’Farrell, Humphreys stated, “To be quite honest, I don’t actually know where I was.” Despite not having communicated with Lucia O’Farrell since the campaign began, Humphreys expressed her willingness to meet with her, stating she has “no problem” with engaging in a dialogue moving forward.

The tragic events surrounding Shane O’Farrell’s death continue to resonate within the community, driving calls for accountability and justice for families affected by similar incidents.