Heather Humphreys Commits to Meeting Shane O’Farrell’s Mother

UPDATE: Minister Heather Humphreys has pledged to meet with Lucia O’Farrell, mother of the late Shane O’Farrell, following criticisms regarding her support for the family’s campaign for justice. This commitment comes amidst growing public pressure for accountability in the tragic case of Shane, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, on August 2, 2011.

During a recent interview on Virgin Media’s Big Interview, Humphreys emphasized that she had not spoken to O’Farrell since the start of the presidential campaign but expressed a willingness to engage with her in the future. Lucia O’Farrell has been vocal about her disappointment with the former minister’s actions, highlighting a perceived lack of support for her quest for justice after her son was struck by a vehicle driven by Zigimantas Gridziuska, a man who should have been incarcerated at the time.

Humphreys defended her record, stating, “I spoke to her for, I’d say, about an hour and a half, the first time that I heard about the loss of Shane. It really is heartbreaking what the O’Farrell family had to put up with.” She reiterated her belief that she had done everything within her power to assist the family, saying, “I did everything I could.”

The tragic incident that claimed Shane O’Farrell’s life occurred while he was cycling home. Gridziuska, a Lithuanian national with multiple previous convictions, fled the scene and was later acquitted of dangerous driving causing death due to legal technicalities. It’s reported that he has since returned to Lithuania, leaving the O’Farrell family seeking answers and demanding a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Shane’s death.

In her interview, Humphreys addressed her absence during a recent vigil for Shane, stating, “To be quite honest, I don’t actually know where I was.” She explained her absence from voting on a public inquiry, claiming she was abroad on a trade mission at the time.

Humphreys’ remarks come as the O’Farrell family continues to advocate for transparency and accountability regarding the handling of Shane’s case. They have called for a comprehensive investigation into why Gridziuska was not in jail, given his prior breaches of bail conditions.

The public outcry surrounding this case highlights a significant concern over road safety and justice in Ireland. As the O’Farrell family persists in their fight for justice, the urgency for a clear and thorough inquiry remains paramount.

What’s Next: As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Humphreys’ commitment to engage with Lucia O’Farrell and whether this meeting will lead to a renewed push for a public inquiry into the circumstances of Shane’s tragic death. The O’Farrell family’s quest for justice is far from over, and the public discourse surrounding this case continues to grow.