Colm Keaveney Banned from Driving for Four Years After Incident

URGENT UPDATE: Former TD Colm Keaveney has been banned from driving for four years after refusing to provide a blood or urine sample to Gardaí following a late-night road incident in Boyle, County Roscommon on October 11, 2024. This decision was handed down by Judge Sandra Murphy at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court.

Keaveney, aged 54 and a former Labour TD for Galway East, entered a guilty plea to two charges: failing to provide a specimen under Section 12 of the Road Traffic Act, and failing to stop after a collision under Section 106. The incident began when Gardaí noticed a Ford Focus driving without lights, veering dangerously before colliding with another vehicle at a junction.

The court heard that after the crash, Keaveney did not stop and continued driving until he eventually pulled over on St Patrick Street. Upon being approached by Gardaí, he exhibited signs of intoxication, including unsteady movement, glassy eyes, and a strong smell of alcohol.

Once at the Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station, Keaveney refused to comply with a formal request for a blood or urine sample. His solicitor revealed that Keaveney has no previous convictions and has been navigating significant personal challenges, including the recent loss of both parents and chronic back pain stemming from spinal surgery.

Keaveney’s legal representation emphasized his cooperation throughout the proceedings and highlighted his status as a family man with three children, urging the court to consider his character rather than his current circumstances.

Judge Murphy imposed a €250 fine and confirmed the four-year driving disqualification. Several additional charges, including driving without insurance or a license, were dismissed after valid documentation was provided.

This case marks a significant moment in Keaveney’s political journey. He began his political career in 1999 and has had a tumultuous path, including a notable switch from Labour to Fianna Fáil in 2013. Although he lost his Dáil seat in 2016, Keaveney returned to public service by winning a seat on Galway County Council in 2019.

As a developing story, Keaveney’s situation raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of personal struggles on their professional lives. Stay tuned for updates as this story evolves.