Mother’s Heartbreaking Scream Echoes in Court After Fatal Crash

URGENT UPDATE: The heart-wrenching screams of a mother filled the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court this afternoon as emotional testimony unfolded in the case of a fatal car crash. The tragic incident involved Marguerita O’Rourke, a 21-year-old new mother, who was struck and killed by her uncle, Danny O’Donoghue, on December 21, 2024, in Rathkeale.

Witnesses reported the courtroom’s somber atmosphere as CCTV footage was played, capturing the moment leading up to the incident. Armed gardaí were present as the case against O’Donoghue proceeded. He has pled guilty to dangerous driving causing death, and a family genealogy was presented to illuminate connections between the families involved.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Ms. O’Rourke, who had just given birth to a baby boy three weeks prior, was preparing for a family funeral when the tragedy struck. She was attempting to open a steel gate when O’Donoghue rammed his Ford Transit van into it, resulting in her fatal injuries. The van hit the gate just after noon, leading to a devastating chain of events.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley detailed how Ms. O’Rourke fell backward after the impact, causing severe trauma. Emergency responders rushed her to University Hospital Limerick, where she was pronounced dead later that afternoon.

In a victim impact statement read in court, Ms. O’Rourke’s father, John Sheridan, spoke of the profound loss, saying, “Our daughter Marguerita was a kind, loving, and wonderful daughter… Instead of celebrating Christmas, we faced the horrendous reality of her untimely loss.” He emphasized the need for accountability, urging the court to impose a significant sentence on O’Donoghue for his reckless actions.

Her husband, Denis O’Rourke, echoed this pain, stating, “My wife was killed when her uncle dangerously rammed into the gates… This was not an accident. His behavior that day was reckless, violent, and deliberate.” He expressed sorrow over the future his son will never experience with his mother, highlighting the emotional devastation left in the wake of this tragedy.

O’Donoghue’s attorney, Michael Bowman, acknowledged the horrific consequences of the incident but noted that O’Donoghue had shown remorse and turned himself in to authorities two days later. He also mentioned that O’Donoghue had been under the influence of alcohol and cocaine during the days leading up to the crash.

The court proceedings are set to continue, with Judge Colin Daly indicating that he will take time to consider the details before delivering a sentence on January 21. O’Donoghue remains in custody without bail as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.

This case underscores the urgent need for responsible driving and the devastating impact of reckless behavior on families. As the community mourns, many are left wondering how such a tragedy could unfold within their own family ties.